Thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans from across the state will converge on Maize High School June 7-9 for the 2025 Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games — a three-day celebration of sports, health, and inclusion.
Local Special Olympic teams from Buhler, Nickerson, and Hutchinson will participate including athletes from the Hutch Hawks, the Eagles and the All-stars of Hutchinson.
Athletes will compete in state-level championships across several sports, including track and field, soccer, bocce, and tennis. The event not only highlights athletic achievement but also the Special Olympics mission to support the whole athlete, on and off the field.
“This is the largest competition of the year, but it's more than that,” said John Lair, President and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas. “With our expanded Healthy Athletes offerings and community events like Young Athletes Fest, we are building stronger athletes and a stronger future for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
In addition to the competitions, registered athletes will receive free health screenings through the organization’s Healthy Athletes program, which provides preventative care and education. Services will include Special Smiles (dental), Opening Eyes (vision), Fit Feet (podiatry), and Healthy Hearing (audiology), all aimed at helping athletes perform at their best.
The Games will also host the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, where officers and athletes will carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies. The Torch Run, a longstanding tradition, symbolizes inclusion and respect, and serves as the largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness effort for Special Olympics Kansas.
Another major feature of the weekend is the Young Athletes Fest, set for Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Designed for children ages 2 to 7, both with and without intellectual disabilities, the free event promotes motor skills and confidence through interactive play. The Fest includes a Young Athletes Fun Run, letting families take part in the spirit of the Games.
For more information or to register a child for the Young Athletes Fest, visit: Registration Link
The 2025 Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games promise not just competition, but connection — a weekend of sport, celebration, and community.