(STILLWATER, OK) – City of Stillwater welcomes the return of athletes, coaches and staff for the Special Olympics Summer Games, May 11-13, after two years of cancellations due to Covid-19. The theme for this year’s summer games is “Back in Action!”
Currently, there are more than 200 teams and approximately 2,700 athletes to compete in three full days of competitions that include athletics (track and field), bocce, cornhole, golf, horseshoes, powerlifting and unified softball. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Olympic-style ceremonies, an Olympic Village and several fun activities such as Stars of the Future (age 8 and younger) and Motor activities.
“Our athletes look forward to competing in these games, it gives them something to look forward to,” included Special Olympics Summer Games Director Jim Scott. “Athletes are not the only ones who benefit from this event and others similar. We are increasing opportunities for healthier communities by cultivating understanding and inclusion.”
This is the 37th Summer Games hosted at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the City of Stillwater (COS), and the 52nd anniversary of Summer Games in Oklahoma. The first Special Olympics Games started in 1968, Chicago, by founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Today, all 50 states and more than 4.4 million athletes participate.
“Stillwater is the largest Special Olympics Summer Games in the country and for several years, the largest amateur athletic event in Oklahoma,” Scott said.
This event is supported by volunteers and advocates from COS, OSU and community members. Additional volunteers are still needed and can sign-up online at: https://www.sook.org/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/.
The Summer Games final packet with competition information and schedule is available online at: https://www.sook.org/summer-games-final-packet/.
