Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes numbering in the thousands meet in Stillwater every year in May for Summer Games. Staff and hundreds of volunteers are on hand to make sure athletes have three days full of competitions, Olympic-style ceremonies, Olympic Village, food, housing and many fun activities.

Athletes start arriving in Stillwater on Wednesday morning. They come to Summer Games after they have completed competitions in the their local areas.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to plan, organize and accomplish a successful Summer Games every year. Some volunteers come out for a day to assist athletes in their competitions. Some volunteers work virtually year-round on Summer Games' planning committees. People interested in volunteering at Summer Games should contact the State Office at 918-481-1234 or email at info@sook.org.

Businesses send whole teams of volunteers to work a single day or several days at Summer Games. Whatever the level of volunteerism, it is certain they will have a life-changing experience. We prefer volunteers to register in advance; however, it is always great to see people walk up to volunteer the day of an event! We can always place them as fans and cheerleaders or fill in wherever needed.

Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes will compete in nine sports: Athletics (Track and Field), Bocce, Bowling, Golf, Horseshoes, Powerlifting, Unified 3-on-3 Basketball, and Unified Softball. Other events include Motor Activities and Stars of the Future.

Opening Ceremonies is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Gallagher Iba Arena. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment. The official Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:30 p.m. with the traditional Parade of Athletes. Opening Ceremonies is where special awards are given to the Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year, Fankhauser Volunteer of the Year, Spirit Award, Family of the Year, and the Synar Award for Excellence.

The Flame of Hope is carried into Opening Ceremonies by the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Contact the following for more information about Summer Games:

Athletic Competitions: Teri Hockett and John Seals
Volunteer Opportunities: Beth White
Donations & Sponsorships: Derek Cain
Media and Public Relations: Donna Ham