Spring/Summer Games Sign-up is Open!

Spring/Summer Games Sign up is now open through March 3

If you are unable or do not want to sign up online, you can call on Tuesday, February 24 6:30-7:30 p.m. at (605) 336-0240.

Be sure to review the practice information, you will not receive a reminder phone call. Only Aquatics/Swim athletes will be sent an email with the exact night of their practice.

Sports Offered:

Aquatics/Swimming
Track and Field
Soccer/Soccer Skills
Volleyball
Cornhole (Exhibition Only) NEW for 2026

Tournament Information:

SE Area Aquatics and Swimming: Friday, April 24 at Midco Aquatic Center in Sioux Falls

SE Area Spring Games- Track and Field: Saturday, April 25 at Brandon Valley HS

State Summer Games: Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16 at BHSU in Spearfish

Practice Information:

PRACTICE HANDOUT

If you have questions, please email Fireworks@sosiouxfalls.org or call/text (605) 336-0240.

ATHLETE- Spring Games Sign-up VOLUNTEER- Spring Games Sign-up Spring-Summer Games Practice Handout

Spring/Summer Games Sign-up

January 30, 2026/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Heather Leischner

Online sign-up is open through March 3

August 2025 News Flash

April 4, 2025/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Heather Leischner

SE Area Basketball & Cheer Tournament

February 28

State Basketball & Cheer Tournament

March 28 - March 29

Latest News

Athlete Oath

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

Our Mission

The Mission of Special Olympics South Dakota and the Sioux Falls Fireworks is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Donate Today

The Special Olympics Experience

In addition to the athletic competition, each of the games include all of the pageantry and excitement of Olympic Games, with events such as Opening Ceremonies, Lighting the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, Victory Dances, Banquets, and Award Ceremonies.

World Games are held every two years on odd years with Winter Games and Summer Games alternating. Competitors from the United States participate as part of Team USA.

National Games are scheduled every four years on even numbered years.

Policies:

Special Olympics is unique in that it accommodates competitors at all ability levels by assigning them to competition divisions based on previous performances or preliminary heats. In this way, all athletes get a chance to compete against others of equal ability.

Special Olympics vs Other Sports Organizations

Special Olympics is like other Sports Organizations:

We follow the National Governing Body rules for each sport.
Athletes train prior to competition.
Qualified coaches train participants.

Special Olympics differs from other Sports Organization:

Sports are adapted to allow athletes of all ability levels to participate
Athletes compete in divisions made up of individuals with equal ability levels. (typically no less than 3 and never more than 8)
All participants receive an award.
Advancement to higher levels of competition (World and National Games) is done by random draw.
Athletes and family members are not charged a fee to participate.

The Spirit of Special Olympics

On her way to the Opening Ceremonies of the first Special Olympics World Games, Eunice Kennedy Shriver wrote the final draft to an athlete oath. In front of many spectators and visitors, Shriver memorably opened the Games with these words: “In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the arena with these words on their lips:

‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’

“Today, all of you young athletes are in the arena. Many of you will win, but even more important, I know you will be brave, and bring credit to your parents and to your country. Let us being the Olympics. Thank you.”

Site Menu

Contact

(605)-336-0240

Email Us