The Special Olympics New York Winter Games is coming to Syracuse. The popular upstate event is expected to draw hundreds of athletes to the region from across the state to compete on Feb. 23 and 24.

“The competition is pretty fierce but also so inspiring," said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “We bring 500 athletes from across the state and their coaches to come compete in four sports," she said. "It’s a lot of fun. I think the athletes would say first it's a lot of fun, but they are here for a reason – and that is to get the gold.”

The competition that impacts millions is close to home for Hengsterman.

“My son Alex is 19 with down syndrome, and he is a Special Olympics athlete," she said. "So he tells me all the time, tells me, 'I’m the boss,' which is great, but tells me all the time how Special Olympics changed his life.”

It also changed the life of Special Olympics athlete Jordan Sellers.

“I’ve been participating in Special Olympics for 20 years," he said.

Sellers will compete in snowshoeing next month. He says the thrill of competing and seeing friends is his favorite part. The medals don’t hurt.

"Yeah, I got lots of medals," he said.

Athletes will compete in alpine skiing, figure skating, snowshoe and floorball.

“It's our first statewide floorball competition. It took the place of our most popular sport, floor hockey," said Hengsterman. "It is a safer sport. There’s no checking, so we don’t need boards. So it's more efficient for us to travel.”

For Hengsterman, it's a bigger win than just bronze, silver and gold.

“I really think it gives people a different perspective on what they might be thinking a person with a disability can or can’t do," she said. "So I think its important for young people, all people, to come and have that experience.”

Special Olympics New York is looking for 300 volunteers for the event. You can find more information at their website.