JEFFERSON CITY – Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) is thrilled to announce that Springfield, MO, will host this year’s State Outdoor Games from October 17-19, 2025. With more than 1,000 athletes, coaches, and Unified partners expected to participate, the event promises to bring the community together for an unforgettable celebration of inclusion, competition, and community spirit.
Athletes from across the state will compete in a variety of sports, including bocce, softball, tennis, golf, and flag football. Springfield, which has previously hosted SOMO’s Summer Games, is excited to welcome back these incredible athletes and their families.
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the remarkable talent, determination, and spirit of these athletes while uniting our community in celebration of inclusion and sportsmanship,” said Stan Adams, Director of Sports Business Development for the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission.
The State Outdoor Games are one of SOMO’s biggest events of the year, bringing together athletes for top-level competition while fostering inclusion and camaraderie.
“This year’s games will be in a new city, and the athletes will get to experience top-of-the-line facilities and feel the hospitality from the city of Springfield,” said Craig Hall, SOMO Director of Competition & Outreach. “The best way to make this event a success is to volunteer to help or just come out and support our athletes.”
SOMO is calling on the community to get involved in making this event special. Volunteers are essential to creating a premier experience for the athletes, and donations or sponsorships are key to ensuring the games are a success.
Details about the games including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities will be posted at somo.org/outdoorgames/.
Special Olympics Missouri
Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of athletes participate in 13 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends and communities across Missouri.
Special Olympics Missouri is proud of our financial health, returning 83% of every dollar back to program services. We are privileged to be recognized with these honors: Better Business Bureau A+ Charity Accreditation, Charity Navigator 4-star rating and Guidestar Gold Level. Special Olympics was also recently named Morning Consult’s No. 5 most trusted nonprofit.
Thank you for trusting us with your donations, volunteer time and your goodwill.
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