NEWARK, Del. -The Delaware Special Olympics will be holding its 54th annual event on June 13 and 14. The sporting event will be held at the University of Delaware.
The Olympics will see 813 athletes compete in six different sporting events, including aquatics, bocce, powerlifting, softball, tennis and track and field.
“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 games kicked off with the opening ceremony at 4 p.m. on June 13. The ceremony featured the lighting of the cauldron, which was done by Deshawn Scye, the 2025 Outstanding Athlete of the Year from the Sussex Area Riptide, and Sgt. Tim Maloney of the Milford Police Department, the 2025 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year. The flame was carried over 100 miles across the state during the 39th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
In addition to the games, there will be Olympic Village and Healthy Athletes activities. There is a Young Athletes festival on June 14 for children aged 2-7 in the University of Delaware track infield.
Attendees interested in volunteering can sign up on the Special Olympics website. There is also an option to sign-up in person at the volunteer registration tents.