Volunteers

Come Join Our Team as a Volunteer!

The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged has been a great success for many years due to the knowledge, dedication, and commitment of our incredible volunteers.

There is an opportunity for everyone! Running an event, score-keeping. timing races, and handing out awards. The smile on the faces of these amazing athletes as they cross the finish line or receive their medal is a gratification you will remember for years to come.

Below is a brief description of the duties involved. Prior to the 2024 Games, a volunteer form and a waiver form will be available for download as part of the registration process.

What Our Volunteers Do

Officials: Officiate track events, field events, and swimming events. If you are not a certified official, please look below for other opportunities to work for a sport.

Athlete Buddies: Partner one on one with an athlete for the entire day! You are a friend who will assist your athlete in any way you can (your athlete will let you know how much assistance he/she needs). You will assist in getting your athlete to his/her scheduled competitions on time, try the various demonstrations and share lunch together. Important: You must be available for the entire time Friday from 9:00am – 2:30PM.

Interpreters: Interpreters are needed at all event stations to interpret for our deaf and hearing-impaired athletes.

Medical: A qualified medical staff of volunteers is critical to the preparedness of the Games. Certification is required.

How to Get Involved

Below is a listing and general description of the various committees needing volunteers to help deliver the Games year over year.

Awards: Awarding medals to individual athletes and packing awards for schools.

Athlete Registration: Verify athlete registration; distribute ID cards, set-up/tear down registration area. It must be available by 8:00 am on Friday.

Clean-Up: Friday and Saturday – clean up during and at the conclusion of all events – track, pool area, gyms, registration area, demonstration area, refreshment areas especially after lunch.

Commodities: Distribution of athlete uniforms and volunteer shirts. Needed by 8:00 am on Friday and Saturday.

Demonstrations: Assist at a specific demonstration by providing instruction, encouraging participants, ensuring the safety of the children, and assist with setup/clean-up of the area.

Equipment/Setup: Setup and tear down of the slalom and demonstration areas; distribute all equipment needed for competitions and demonstrations. 7:30am – 2:30pm

Field Events: Assist officials, measuring, recording, retrieve implements, etc… Setup and clean-up of field event equipment. Must be available for a full shift. Must be available 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Slalom: Setup and clean-up of the slalom course area; assisting athletes through the course. Set up Thursday evening at 8:00 pm. Competition 10:30am – 2:30pm

Statistics: Record accurate competition results, assign standings, route information to Awards. Volunteers must have knowledge of classifications.

Swimming: Assist with organization of events, assist athletes in the pool, swimming buddy. Must be available Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.

Track: Assist with clerking for track races, help with the line-up of athletes, guide runners for the blind and visually impaired. Must be available 10:30am -2:30pm

Volunteer Registration: Verify volunteer registration, distribute ID tags, commodities. Setup and tear down of the registration area. Must be available Friday at 8:00 am.

Venue Addresses: Opening Ceremonies will take place on Friday in the Tuttle North Gyms beginning at 10am. Events will follow at 11am in the SERC building with a few events outdoors on the field directly behind the SERC.

It is recommended that volunteers bring appropriate clothing to wear in case of rain. Generally, events will be held in their planned locations rain or shine.