Special Olympics New York Hosts Winter Games for Nearly 900 Athletes

The annual event showcased inclusion through sports competitions and free health screenings.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Special Olympics New York State Winter Games were held across the Finger Lakes region on Saturday, with nearly 900 athletes from across the state participating in seven different sports competitions. The event provided opportunities for the athletes to learn, compete, and showcase their talents, with organizers noting that many of the athletes would not have these chances without the Special Olympics program.

Why it matters

The Special Olympics is an important platform for promoting inclusion and empowering individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The Winter Games event in New York highlights the organization's mission to create opportunities for these athletes to participate in sports and receive vital health screenings at no cost.

The details

Competitions took place in seven sports, including figure skating. Athlete Peter Dailey expressed his passion for figure skating and the importance of being able to showcase his talents and meet new friends through the Special Olympics. The closing ceremony featured medal presentations and a group victory dance.

  • The Special Olympics New York State Winter Games were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • The closing ceremony was scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center.

The players

Peter Dailey

A figure skater who has been participating in the sport since the age of 5.

Special Olympics New York

The largest state chapter of the Special Olympics in the country, serving more than 48,000 athletes with year-round training, competition, and health screenings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It means a lot to me, being able to show off my talent and being able to meet new friends. Always really important to me, and being able to teach people I can do anything. I put my mind to it. What most people would look down at us thinking, you can't do that. And I'm always so excited when I can show them they wrong and I can actually do it.”

— Peter Dailey, Figure Skater

The takeaway

The Special Olympics New York Winter Games demonstrate the power of inclusion and the importance of providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports and receive vital health services. The event showcases the talents and determination of the nearly 900 athletes involved, challenging perceptions and proving that with the right support, these athletes can achieve remarkable things.