State Summer Games

State Summer Games

Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16 at BHSU in Spearfish

Below is the preliminary information about State Summer Games. MORE information is coming soon. Please continue to check back!

Athletes & Volunteers riding the bus:

Bus will begin loading at 10:45 am on Thursday, May 14. Bus will depart at 11 am.
You will need to bring your own sack lunch for the bus ride to Spearfish, water will be provided on the bus. Or bring your water bottle.
Supper will be served in the dorm before walking over to Opening Ceremonies.

Athletes & Volunteers staying in the dorms:

Pillows and pillowcases will be provided. You will be responsible for bringing bedding (extra-long twin sheets), blankets, towels, washcloths, and all personal care items. You could bring a sleeping bag as this might be easier.
Remember that we walk everywhere at State Games so bring jackets/hoodies and some good walking shoes.
Currently the weather in Spearfish shows lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s. But we all know how the weather can change, so be prepared.

All Athletes & Volunteers:

Thursday evening will be the Opening Ceremonies. The SOSD will release more information about the Block Party before the Opening Ceremony, including a food menu and prices. Just note that there will be yard games, food, vendors handing out items and music for entertainment. All families are invited to join us here to kick off the 2026 State Summer Games.
Friday events include soccer, volleyball, swimming/aquatics and cornhole. They will probably start around 9 am and finish around 3 pm. Watch for more updates coming next week with exact times.
Friday evening there will be a dance.
Saturday will be all Track & Field. We will set up a team camp in the bleachers for athletes, volunteers and families. We will assist the athletes in getting to their events. If you want to sit elsewhere, parents, staff, or guardians will need to ensure the athletes get to their events.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME SOON!

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

Spring-Summer Games Practice Handout

Law Enforcement Torch Run/Walk

May 7, 2026/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Heather Leischner

Monday, May 11

Exciting news! Sioux Falls is once again hosting a torch run/walk route this year! Attached a copy of the poster and the route.

Everyone will meet at the Law Enforcement Center 302 W 4^th Street on Monday, May 11 at 8:15 am. Reminder, Minnesota Ave is closed

We hope all of the Special Olympics athletes, unified partners, and coaches are able to join us!

All of the athletes participating in the local walk or run will receive a free Torch Run shirt. To bring back the fundraising aspect of the Torch Run, SOSD is asking anyone else wanting a Torch Run shirt to purchase it for $20.00. This is a big change from previous year, and we hope you understand.

NOTE: This is a Special Olympics South Dakota event. Transportation and chaperones are not provided.

Questions should be directed to Michelle at SOSD.

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Fireworks Newsflash- May 2026

May 4, 2026/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Heather Leischner

Fireworks New Flash #5 May 26

Online Store Open

April 28, 2026/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Heather Leischner

The Fireworks store is open now through May 11. The expected delivery date is June 2.

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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.

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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.”

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State Summer Games

Upcoming Events

State Summer Games

SE Area Softball Tournament

SE Area Bocce Ball Tournament

Latest News

Athlete Oath

Our Mission

The Special Olympics Experience

Special Olympics vs Other Sports Organizations

The Spirit of Special Olympics

Site Menu

Contact

(605)-336-0240

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