NORRISTOWN — Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s (SOPA) 53rd Annual Summer Games, the organization’s largest statewide competition, will host nearly 750 coaches, 1,500 athletes and Unified Partners representing 38 Special SOPA programs from Thursday through Saturday at Penn State University.
More than 1,000 volunteers will be onsite throughout the weekend. This is the first time SOPA’s Summer Games competition will be held in-person since the onset of the pandemic.
The Games will commence at Penn State University with Opening Ceremonies in the Pegula Ice Arena. Opening Ceremonies will feature speakers, musical performances, and the lighting of the Olympic Torch to signify the official start of the Games.
This year’s Opening Ceremonies will also recognize the more than 120 athletes who will be leaving Summer Games to represent Team Pennsylvania at the USA Games in Orlando from June 5-12.
Throughout the weekend, SOPA athletes will be participating in, athletics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming and tennis competitions. This year, athletes participating several of these sports will also have the opportunity to qualify for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin in 2023.
Additionally, the weekend will offer Healthy Habits interactive education stations; an “Olympic Village” providing athlete activities in-between sporting events; Sports Fest; and more. Friday and Saturday’s schedules are as follows:
FRIDAY – JUNE 3RD
WHAT: SOPA Athletes compete in a total of eight Olympic-type sports. The day will also feature an Olympic Village filled with a variety of fun activities, Healthy Athlete screenings, and a Sports Fest.
WHERE:
Competition Venues –
Athletics– PSU Track
Basketball –IM Building/White Building Gym
Equestrian – Snider Ag Arena
Golf – Centre Hills Golf Course
Gymnastics – White Building, Room 107
Softball – Park Avenue Fields
Swimming – Outdoor Pool
Tennis – Sarni Tennis Center
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
8 a.m. – Competitions Kick off (on-going throughout the day)
Rep. Benninghoff will be at Equestrian Trail Awards at the Snider Ag Arena
9 a.m.
Healthy Athletes: screenings designed to improve athletes’ health and fitness, including Fit Feet, Special Smiles and Opening Eyes – located at the Johnston Commons Patio/Grassy Area
10 a.m.
Olympic Village: Fun activities for athletes in between competitions. Located at the Wagner Common Area
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Golf and Equestrian Awards (at their respective sport venues)
4 p.m. – Competitions conclude for the day
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Team PA Send-Off BBQ – The more than 120 athletes who will be representing Team PA at the USA Games in Orlando will be sent off with a BBQ and yard games with the SOPA Board, sponsors and more. Located at the Pavilion on University Drive & Park Ave.
7:30 p.m. – Sports Fest/Victory Dance: Bigler Field – which will feature a DJ, dancing, field games and fun outdoor activities. One athlete will also be given the Sheetz Family Award for Excellence.
SATURDAY – JUNE 4TH
WHAT: SOPA Athletes conclude competition in a total of eight Olympic-type sports. The day will also feature an Olympics Village filled with a variety of fun activities, Healthy Athletes screenings and awards.
WHERE:
Competition Venues –
Athletics– PSU Track
Basketball –IM Building/White Building Gym
Equestrian – Snider Ag Arena
Golf – Centre Hills Golf Course
Gymnastics – White Building, Room 107
Softball – Park Avenue Fields
Swimming – Outdoor Pool
Tennis – Sarni Tennis Center
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
6:00 a.m. – Send-off for members of Team Pennsylvania at the University Park Airport
8 a.m. – Competitions Kick off (on-going throughout the day) and rolling awards at each respective sports venue
9 a.m.
Healthy Athletes: screenings designed to improve athletes’ health and fitness, including Fit Feet, Special Smiles and Opening Eyes – located at the Johnston Commons Patio/Grassy Area
10 a.m.
Olympic Village: Fun activities for athletes in between competitions. Located at the Wagner Common Area
1 – 3 p.m. – Congressman Thompson will be at Softball Awards at the Park Avenue Fields
2:30 p.m. – Competitions/Awards conclude for the day.
