SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA TO KICK OFF FALL GAMES PRESENTED BY CASINO ARIZONA, OCT. 21-22

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

Special Olympics Arizona is kicking off one of its biggest competitions of the year – the 2022 Fall Games Presented by Casino Arizona  – which will feature more than 1,000 SOAZ athletes statewide celebrating Inclusion and showcasing their skills in swimming, softball and bocce.

The swimming competition will take place at the Surprise Aquatic Center, while the Bocce and Softball events will be held at Pioneer Community Park in Peoria.  All competitions will take place over two days – Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22.  Additionally, the Fall Games Opening Ceremonies will take place at Surprise Stadium on Friday, Oct. 22 from 7 – 9 p.m.

“We are so excited to kick off the 2022 Fall Games and welcome our athletes from all across the state of Arizona,” said Jamie Heckerman, President and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona.  “This is one of our biggest competitions of the year and a great way to celebrate our athletes throughout the state.  It is such a fun event, we encourage the entire community to come out and support these great athletes and celebrate Inclusion.”

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 Pioneer Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; with Health Education and Strong Minds taking place on Friday, Oct. 21, while Fit Feet, FUNfitness and Special Smiles will be available on Saturday, Oct. 22.

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

For more information on the 2022 Special Olympics Arizona Fall Games presented by Casino Arizona and for a list of competition times and locations, visit https://specialolympicsarizona.org/event/fall-games/.