Special Olympics Oregon, or SOOR, has announced their once annual Summer State Games will be returning after a seven year hiatus. The comeback is slated for right here in Corvallis at Oregon State University and surrounding venues, from July 12th to the 14th.
SOOR is often seen as Oregon’s premier sports organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities – and according to the organization, this year’s Games are presented by longtime philanthropists Dr. Herbert and Shirley Semler.
Special Olympics Oregon athletes are thrilled to have this marquee weekend of competition, ceremonies, games, a dance, Olympic Town, and a return of the Final Leg Torch Run. And, it couldn’t be better timing to coincide with the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Special Olympics athlete Robin Buster said, “I live in Corvallis and am so excited for the Games this summer. I like getting to know people and having fun. I’m [competing] in Bocce and we practice every Thursday.”
Friday July 12th is team arrival day, with competitions and special events taking place throughout Saturday July 13th and Sunday July 14th.
If you can, please volunteer
Special Olympics Oregon is actively recruiting over 1,000 day-of-event volunteers. Volunteer roles include game operational support such as scorekeeping, staging, timers, announcers, and helping with awards, results, etc., for golf, softball, bocce, and athletic competitions. Volunteers are also needed in a variety of event logistics and administrative roles with half-day and full-day shift options, and opportunities for groups. Click here for Volunteer registration information.
Former OSU President, Ed Ray is a fan
“The SOOR summer Olympic games in Reser Stadium in 2017 were magical and the games are returning this summer. Oregon State University student-athletes led the county delegations into the stadium for the official opening ceremony. Family and friends gathered to watch their athletes compete. Often these people feel isolated and even unwelcome in the broader society but on this wonderful occasion they were joyously part of a caring and loving community,” said Ed Ray, Former President of Oregon State University.
“The announcement of the return of Summer State Games has been met with great enthusiasm. We are so excited to be partnering with Oregon State University and others in the Corvallis community to provide this experience for our athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and supporters from across the state. I can’t wait to see everyone gather there. It’s going to feel like a big family reunion,” said Mark Hanken, Chief Operating Officer for Special Olympics Oregon.
Click here for the Special Olympics Oregon website.
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