Athletes of the Year
The Empire State Winter Games and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York are proud to recognize a youth and an adult athlete who represent the very best of our community — sportsmanship, leadership, service, academic achievement, and the spirit of competition.
Know someone who embodies what it means to be an ESWG athlete?
Now is your chance to celebrate them.
👉 Submit your nomination today!
Important Dates
Nominations close: February 28
Finalists announced: March 16
Winner announced: April 1
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2026 Athletes of the Year

Jameson May, Youth Athlete of the Year
Jameson May is an exceptional and rapidly emerging athlete whose success reflects his dedication, perseverance and genuine passion for both cross-country skiing and his community. Although relatively new to the sport, Jameson has already earned impressive results, including top finishes at major competitions. His rapid development demonstrates not only remarkable natural ability, but also an outstanding work ethic and determination to continually improve.
Jameson’s accomplishments on the course tell only part of his story. What distinguishes him most is the character he displays every day. He is consistently described as kind, selfless and team-oriented—an athlete who encourages his teammates, mentors younger competitors and celebrates the success of others. Through his conduct both on and off the course, Jameson has become a respected role model for his peers and younger students.
Jameson brings that same commitment to the classroom and his community. He successfully balances the demands of training and competition with strong academic achievement, while also volunteering his time and supporting school and community activities.
Coming from a small, rural school community, Jameson has become a tremendous source of pride and inspiration. He represents the resilience, heart and potential of small-town athletes, demonstrating that talent, character and determination can overcome geographic and resource limitations.
Jameson is far more than a gifted competitor. He is a well-rounded young leader whose sportsmanship, academic commitment, community involvement and support of others embody the qualities of a true Youth Athlete of the Year. His achievements are already impressive, and his character and drive suggest that his greatest accomplishments are still ahead.
Academically and personally, Jameson is equally committed. He balances athletics with strong academic achievement and meaningful community involvement, including volunteering and supporting school activities.
Coming from a small, rural school community, many see him as a source of pride and inspiration—someone who represents the heart, resilience, and potential of “small-town” athletes. Overall, he is viewed not just as a talented competitor, but as a well-rounded, high-character individual with the drive and mindset to achieve even greater success.

James Meunier, Adult Athlete of the Year
James Meunier exemplifies the courage, determination and indomitable spirit that define an Empire State Games athlete. Following a devastating automobile accident, James devoted himself wholeheartedly to an exceptionally difficult recovery. Through extraordinary perseverance and an unwavering refusal to accept limitations, he surpassed his doctors’ expectations and achieved a goal that once may have seemed beyond reach: returning to competition at the Empire State Winter Games.
In 2026, James not only realized his dream of competing—he made a significant impact on the ice. During the sled hockey competition, he scored a goal and recorded five assists, demonstrating his athletic ability, teamwork and competitive drive. Each achievement represented far more than a point on the scoreboard; it reflected countless hours of rehabilitation, sacrifice and determination.
As an athlete with a disability, James embodies the power of adaptive sport and the belief that challenges do not have to define a person’s potential. His positive attitude, resilience and commitment inspire teammates, fellow athletes and everyone fortunate enough to witness his journey. He has shown what is possible when someone pursues a goal with courage, heart and an unwavering belief in himself.
James represents the very best of the Empire State Games: perseverance through adversity, excellence in competition and the power of sport to transform lives. His remarkable recovery and triumphant return to competition make him an outstanding and deserving candidate for Adult Athlete of the Year.
Nominate An Athlete
Athlete Nominations are closed for the 2026 Season! Visit @ESWGames on Facebook or Instagram to view the 2024 Athlete of the Year Videos.
