Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games set June 7-8

Nearly 700 athletes and an additional 100 unified partners (peers without disabilities) from across the state will compete in six sports – aquatics, bocce, powerlifting, softball, tennis, and track and field – at the Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, at the University of Delaware athletic complex. More than 160 coaches have provided training over the past three months in preparation for the competition. More than 1,000 volunteers from corporate/venue sponsors and the community help make this event possible. 

“The annual Summer Games is the highlight of the year for everyone involved, and this year we are very excited that our numbers continue to increase from the previous year in every facet of the event,” said David Halley, Special Olympics Delaware president and CEO. “We take great pride in providing our athletes with a first-class event at which they can display their many athletic talents to their family and friends who will be cheering them on while their fellow Delawareans from the community serve as volunteers. Our athletes never cease to amaze us, and they so inspire us.” 

The event is supported by several corporations and businesses, including co-presenting sponsors Bank of America and DuPont, the latter of which has supported the event for 29 straight years.   

“We are proud to once again sponsor the SODE Summer Games and strengthen the ties between our company and the community we call home,” said Patrick McCrummen, global community and social impact leader at DuPont. “The games bring out the best in all of the participating athletes, coaches and partners, and we are thrilled to support the event – both financially and through employee volunteerism – cheering on the participants and helping them thrive.”  

Bank of America has supported Special Olympics Delaware events and programming in many ways since its headquarters moved to the First State. 

"Throughout our long-standing partnership, Special Olympics Delaware has empowered athletes on and off the field through opportunities for economic advancement and ultimately building a more inclusive society,” said Chip Rossi, Bank of America Delaware president. “We appreciate the work of every volunteer, partner and coach who make the Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games possible and applaud the athletes who inspire us to overcome barriers every single day.” 

The opening ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., Friday, at the Bob Carpenter Center. Scott Klatzkin, the voice of the Blue Hens on 94.7 WDSD, will serve as emcee. Among the opening highlights are the parade of athletes and the lighting of the cauldron by the Outstanding Athlete of the Year, Laura Scott of the MOT Tigers, and the Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year, Sr. Cpl. Barry Wheatley of the Delaware Natural Resources Police Department. The Flame of Hope arrives at the ceremony after traveling more than 100 miles throughout the First State over three days as part of the 38th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. 

On both days, there are fun, educational and health-related activities at the Olympic Village and Healthy Athletes venues. On Saturday, a Young Athletes Festival is open to children ages 2-7 on the infield of the UD track.    

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, including sport-specific schedules, go to sode.org.