ALBANY, N.Y. (June 12, 2007) -- More than 2,000 athletes and coaches will participate in the pageantry and competition of the Special Olympics New York 2007 Summer Games on June 14-16. For the second consecutive year, the University at Albany will host the event, which is the largest of more than 400 competitions held each year throughout New York.

UAlbany's Vice President for Athletic Administration and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy will help welcome athletes, volunteers, family members and spectators during Opening Ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14 at University Field. The ceremony will feature the traditional Athlete Oath and Parade of Athletes, fireworks and the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron.

 
UAlbany Vice President for Athletic Administration Lee McElroy welcomes Special Olympians

Athletic competition will run from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June16 in eight Olympic-style sports, including aquatics, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, track and field, tennis and volleyball. For a detailed schedule, visit Special Olympics New York.

All events are free and open to the public. Volunteers are still needed to help with lunch preparation and distribution to athletes and coaches. Volunteer registration is available on Friday and Saturday in the SEFCU Arena lobby.

Special Olympics New York, which does not charge athletes to participate, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.