02/21/2026
Special Olympians arrived at Hyatt and throughout Rochester today to compete in seven different winter games throughout the greater Rochester area. The State Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and Olympic Village: Healthy Athletes Screenings, will take place next to Hyatt at the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center. Olympians and guests can walk through the covered walkway connected from the Hyatt and to the Convention Center and park in the South Avenue Garage.
Volunteers gathered at Hyatt to welcome the Olympians and their families, organized by Katie Dee and Wendy O’Duffy from Visit Rochester as well as member lead and ROC For A Reason Co-Chair, Kaitlin Cleary with City Blue Imaging (pictured in our video).
“I love just watching them come into the hotel, and seeing the excitement on their faces. It really brings us up and we’re excited to watch them compete…and we’re excited to have them in Rochester,” said Kaitlyn after welcoming at least three buses of athletes arrive from the Southern Tier and New York City areas.
Close to 900 athletes are in town staying throughout Rochester. We hope you get a chance to cheer them on! It’s an experience that will leave your heart full.
