Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games set June 13-14

The 54th annual Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games will take place Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, at the University of Delaware, marking the organization’s largest sports competition of the year. This year, 813 athletes, 129 unified partners and 240 coaches from across the state will compete in six sports: aquatics, bocce, powerlifting, softball, tennis, and track and field. More than 1,000 volunteers will help bring the games to life. 

“The Summer Games is the highlight of the year for everyone involved, and we’re thrilled to see continued growth in participation across the board,” said David Halley, president and CEO of Special Olympics Delaware. “Our athletes continue to inspire us with their determination and spirit, and we are proud to provide them with a world-class experience cheered on by their families, friends and communities.” 

The opening ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., June 13, at the Bob Carpenter Center on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. The event will be emceed by Scott Klatzkin, the voice of the Blue Hens on 94.7 WDSD. The ceremony will include a parade of athletes and the lighting of the cauldron by Deshawn Scye, the 2025 Outstanding Athlete of the Year from the Sussex Riptide, and Sgt. Tim Maloney of the Milford Police Department, the 2025 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year. The Flame of Hope will arrive after traveling more than 100 miles across the state during the 39th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy Olympic Village and Healthy Athletes activities, along with the Young Athletes Festival June 14, for children ages 2-7, held on the infield of the UD track. 

The public is invited and encouraged to attend each day of the Summer Games. Volunteers are still needed to make Summer Games a success. Volunteers can register online at sode.org or arrive the day of the event and sign up at a volunteer registration tent.  

For sport-specific schedules and more details, go to www.sode.org.