Special Olympic Summer Games at URI This Weekend

Special Olympics Rhode Island will be hosting its biggest sports event of the year – the 2012 State Summer Games at the University of Rhode Island – this weekend.

The public is invited to join in the fun and cheer on 1,400 athletes who will participate in seven different competitions on June 2 and 3. Summer Games is expected to attract more than 5,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators over the course of the three day event. Admission is free.

Competition begins on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. Selected events took place on Friday afternoon, along with opening ceremonies.

Sports competitions include aquatics, track and field, bowling, cycling, motor training activity program events, powerlifting and unified soccer. Medal presentations will take place after competitions at each sports venue. More details are available at our website.

“Whether you're a long-time supporter of Special Olympics or you've never been to one of our events, Summer Games is a great way to see how Special Olympics changes lives,” said Dennis DeJesus, CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island. “As our largest competition of the year, Summer Games is something that we look forward to all year. Our athletes train year-round, so bring your family and friends to see them showcase their sports skills. It's an incredible thing to be a part of.”

Athletes to receive free health screenings at Summer Games

The state Summer Games also provides an opportunity for athletes to receive health screenings to examine their general health and improve their ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. Volunteer health professionals in audiology, physical therapy, nutrition, dental and optometry offer free screenings to Special Olympics athletes at the Healthy Athletes Village.

Summer Games sponsors and supporters

The 2012 Summer Games are made possible with the help of 300 coaches, 2,500 volunteers and generous contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors, including COX Communications, CVS Caremark Charity Classic, Inc., Dunkin' Donuts, Credit Union Association of Rhode Island, Torch Run - Police, Fire, Corrections, Bank of America, Clements' Market, Coca Cola Bottling Company, Sovereign Bank, Amgen,  East Greenwich Photo and Studio, Textron Corporation, John E. Fogarty Foundation, Majestic Honda South, Met Life Auto & Home, Moran Family Foundation, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Rhode Island Convention Center, Rhode Island National Guard Association, Inc. and Twin River.

Please show your appreciation for these companies by supporting them whenever possible! 

Release courtesy of Special Olympics Rhode Island. For a link to a full schedule, visit their site here.