Games for the Physically Challenged
Adapted sport for athletes 5–21, since 1985. Held at SUNY Brockport every October.
The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged are an annual adapted-sport competition for New York athletes aged 5 to 21 with physical challenges. New York was the first U.S. state to offer a free state-level adapted youth sports programme, and the Games for the Physically Challenged were a flagship part of that initiative from their start in 1985.
Next edition: 16–17 October 2026, The College at Brockport.
What’s contested
Athletes compete across divisions for visual impairment, blindness, hearing impairment, deafness, spinal cord injury, amputee classifications, cerebral palsy, and les autres. Events include archery, swimming, track and field, wheelchair racing, wheelchair basketball, table tennis, and a programme of adapted recreational events.
How to take part
There is no cost for athletes or spectators. Registration runs through the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged organising office in advance of each year’s event.
Registration & event details
The Games are directed by Susan Maxwell and run in partnership with
Camp Smile, The College at Brockport, the Webster Lions Club, and
community supporters across central and western New York.
empirestategamespc.org