More than five thousand Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes will meet in Stillwater May 11 through 13, 2016 to celebrate the 47th Annual Summer Games held in Oklahoma. This year, more athletes are attending Summer Games than in any previous year. Special Olympics Oklahoma staff and thousands of volunteers are gearing up for three days full of competitions, Olympic-style ceremonies, Olympic Village, food, housing, and many fun activities.

Athletes will start arriving in Stillwater on Wednesday morning, May 11, 2016. They will come from the 14 geographic areas of Oklahoma where they have completed competitions in their local areas.

This year is the 33rd year the Summer Games have been hosted at Oklahoma State University and the City of Stillwater. Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes will compete in the following sports: athletics (track and field), bocce, bowling, golf, horseshoes, powerlifting, Unified® 3-on-3 basketball and Unified® softball. Other events include motor activities and Young Athletes™.

Opening Ceremonies is scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 11, 2016 at Oklahoma State University Gallagher Iba Arena. The theme for Opening Ceremonies is “Special Olympics Under the Big Top.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment. The official Opening Ceremonies begins at 7:30 p.m. with the traditional Parade of Athletes.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run will escort the Parade of Athletes, carry the Flame of Hope, and rappel into Gallagher Iba Arena. President Burns Hargis, Oklahoma State University, will issue the official welcome to the athletes onto the campus.

The presenting sponsor for Opening Ceremonies is COX Communications. Other premier sponsors for Summer Games include E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Law Enforcement Torch Run, McDonald’s of Oklahoma, Sarkeys Foundation and Sonic Corporation.

Please contact the following for more information at 918.481.1234: 

Volunteer opportunities, contact Kate Wigent, kate@sook.org

Donations and sponsorships, contact Derek Cain, derek@sook.org

Media and public relations, contact Donna Ham, donna@sook.org

Law Enforcement Torch Run, contact Jennifer Lightle, jenniferl@sook.org

Please visit sook.org to access information about Summer Games or other Special Olympics Oklahoma events. The Mission of Special Olympics is to provide a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Today more than 10,500 Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes participate in more than 140 sports competitions and training clinic opportunities every year. Competition is offered in 16 official sports. There are opportunities for thousands of volunteers.