Nassau County
Games for the Physically Challenged

May 30 – May 31, 2025

Mitchel Athletic Complex
and
Nassau Community College

2025 athlete and volunteer forms will be available in December.

Free Program sponsored through Community wide fundraising in addition to Corporate and individual Sponsorships. • History of the Games: In 1984 the International Games for the Disabled (now known as the Paralympics) were held on Long Island. So impressive was the spirit and determination of the world class athletes, at that event, that New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation initiated a program to give physically challenged youth here in New York the opportunity for athletic competition that would enrich their lives. In the summer of 1985, New York State became the first state in the country to offer a free adapted sports program for youngsters. The Games drew 240 participants from all over the state that first summer. That number has grown to nearly 1600 athletes statewide between two regional competitions that are now held each year. In December of 2010, due to the financial difficulties within New York State, all funding was eliminated for the Empire State Games programs. But with the efforts of the Nassau County Executive to keep the Games in Nassau County, a “Save the Games” committee was formed to begin a fundraising campaign. Along with the Save the Games Committee and the very generous support we have received from the community, we are proud to say we will be celebrating our 39th year of Competition May 30 – 31, 2025.

Games Mission and Operation

Goals of the Games: 1. To Offer physically challenged youth the exciting opportunity to participate in competitive sports and recreational activities adapted to best suit their unique abilities. 2. To encourage promotion of sports for physically challenged individuals of all ages. 3. To enable youth to learn and develop skills required for a successful experience in sports competition and fitness. 4. To familiarize the general public with the abilities of physically challenged individuals. • Sports achievements emphasize the abilities of the athletes and help them develop confidence and self-esteem. Success encourages an interest in sports activity and lays the foundation for the athlete to continue on to adult competition, if they so choose. • Open to athlete’s ages 5 – 21 years of age with a Physical Challenge. • Physical Challenges include: Amputee, Blind and Visually Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Spinal Cord Injured and Les Autres, a French term meaning “the other”, (Muscular Dystrophy, Dwarfism, Arthrogryposis, Cardiac or Pulmonary Disorders as well as Traumatic Brain Injuries). • Competitive Events include: Track Events (Ambulatory, Wheelchair and Power Wheelchair), Field Events adapted for all Physical Challenges, Swimming, Table Tennis, Archery, Wheelchair Basketball (Teams Only) and Slalom Courses, set up to accommodate Ambulatory, Wheelchair and Blind/Visually Impaired athletes. • For all events each Athlete competes against other athletes of the same age group, same sex and same classification. Classifications are broken down according to Physical Challenges listed above and then again by the severity within the specific Physical Challenge • Athletes compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, as well as fourth, fifth and sixth place ribbons. All others receive a Personal Best Ribbon.