SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA TO KICK OFF FALL GAMES COMPETITIONS OCTOBER 13-14 AT SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL

MORE THAN 1,000 ATHLETES FROM ACROSS THE STATE WILL COMPETE IN SWIMMING AND BOCCE IN MESA

Special Olympics Arizona is kicking off one of its biggest competitions of the year – the 2023 Fall Games –  which will feature more than 1,000 SOAZ athletes statewide celebrating Inclusion and showcasing their skills in swimming and bocce.

The swimming competition will take place at the Skyline Aquatic Center, while the Bocce events will be held at Skyline High School.  All competitions will take place over two days – Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Additionally, the Fall Games Opening Ceremonies and the ever-popular Athletes Dance Party Presented by Domino’s Pizza will take place at the Skyline High School Football Field on Friday, Oct. 13, from 7 – 9 p.m.

Throughout the weekend of competition, Special Olympics Arizona’s Healthy Athletes program will provide complimentary medical exams and educational programming to athletes that will include Health Education, Strong Minds, Fit Feet, FUNfitness and Special Smiles programs.  Presented by Mercy Care, Healthy Athletes will take place at Skyline High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.  Strong Minds, Healthy Relationships and Sun Safety will place on Friday (Oct. 13), while Fit Feet, FUNFitness and Special Smiles will be available on Saturday, Oct. 14.

SOAZ merchandise also will be available for purchase both days from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help support SOAZ athletes.

“We can’t wait to welcome all of the athletes from throughout the state of Arizona to one of our biggest competitions,” said Jamie Heckerman, President and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona.  “From the opening ceremony, to the athletes dance party, the Healthy Athletes programming and the two days of competition, Fall Games is a fun way to not only showcase these tremendous athletes, but to create lasting friendships and memories through these fun activities.”

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