Nearly 2,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athletes participated in the 2013 State Summer Games on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Coaches, volunteers and fans traveled from across the state to cheer on athletes competing in Athletics (Track & Field), Aquatics, Powerlifting and Soccer.
SOWI canceled the outdoor Summer Games Opening Ceremony due to the weather and field conditions, but that didn’t put a damper on the festivities. Athletes and their coaches enjoyed a short ceremony inside Quant Gym which included a performance by special guests, The Figureheads, an appearance by the Fox Sports Wisconsin Girls, recognition of several athletes and law enforcement officers, and a dance that kicked-off the weekend’s events.
In addition to competition and entertainment, SOWI hosted Healthy Athletes®, a healthcare initiative that offers free eye, dental, and hearing screenings to SOWI athletes.
SOWI also held several Young Athletes™ events throughout the weekend. Children, ages two-seven, both with and without intellectual disabilities, took part in fun and educational play activities.
Click here for results. For photos of this year's State Summer Games, visit Flickr.