SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA TO HOST 2023 STATE SUMMER GAMES, MAY 5-6 AT KELLIS HIGH SCHOOL

MORE THAN 1,500 ATHLETES FROM ACROSS THE STATE WILL COMPETE IN TRACK/FIELD, VOLLEYBALL, POWERLIFTING AND E-SPORTS

Special Olympics Arizona State Summer Games competition is back for 2023 and will be hosted once again at Kellis High School on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6.  This is one of SOAZ’s biggest competitions of the year and will feature more than 1,500 athletes statewide celebrating Inclusion and showcasing their skills in track and field, volleyball, powerlifting, and esports.

Competition will take place over two days (Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6) at Kellis High School in Glendale.  Friday’s schedule includes track and field (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.), volleyball (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and powerlifting (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.); while Saturday will feature track and field (8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), indoor athletics (8:45 a.m. – noon), and esports (9 a.m. – noon).

“We are thrilled to be hosting more than 1,500 athletes from across the state to the 2023 Summer Games,” said Jamie Heckerman, President and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona.  “The Games are a celebration of the abilities and achievements of these incredible athletes and a great platform to showcase their skills and determination.  We encourage everyone to come out and cheer these athletes on and witness the power of inclusion and sportsmanship in action.”

The 2023 Summer Games will feature SOAZ’s annual opening ceremony that will include the parade of athletes, ceremonial torch lighting, and the fan favorite victory dance that will be entertained with a special musical performance by StarAlliance Band.

Throughout the weekend of competition, Special Olympics Arizona’s Healthy Athletes program will provide complimentary medical screenings and education to athletes in mental health, sports physicals, podiatry, physical therapy, dentistry, and audiology.  Presented by Mercy Care, Healthy Athletes will take place at Kellis High School each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Strong Minds and Medfest available on May 5, and Fit Feet, FUNfitness, Special Smiles, and Healthy Hearing available on May 6.

SOAZ merchandise also will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help support SOAZ athletes.

Special Olympics Arizona would like to thank Cable One, Dutch Bros and the Dutch Bros Foundation, and Thunderbirds Charities for their continued support of SOAZ and for helping to make the 2023 Summer Games happen.

For more information on the 2023 Special Olympics Arizona Summer Games and for a list of competition times and locations, visit https://specialolympicsarizona.org/events/summer-games-2/.