Special Olympics Minnesota Athletes to Compete at Fall Games

More than 1,200 athletes to compete Aug. 19–21 throughout metro area

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Aug. 16, 2011 — More than 1,200 Special Olympics athletes from across the state will compete at the 2011 Special Olympics Minnesota Fall Games Aug. 19–21. One of five state competitions annually, Fall Games includes equestrian events, golf, bocce and softball. More than 500 volunteers, 150 Unified Partners and 450 coaches will help make the events possible, and all competitions are free and open to the public.

The equestrian events will take place on Friday, Aug. 19 at Northwest Saddle Club, 26950 Lyons St. NE in Hugo. The softball tournament will be held Aug. 19–21 at Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive in Woodbury. Also at Bielenberg Sports Center, the bocce tournament will take place Aug. 20–21. Golf competition will take place Sunday, Aug. 21 at Oak Marsh Golf Club, 526 Inwood Avenue North in Oakdale.

The 2011 Fall Games Celebration Ceremonies will be held Saturday, Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive in Woodbury, and will include entertainment, speeches and the ceremonial lighting of the "Flame of Hope."

Athletes can also participate in Health Promotion and a blood glucose screening on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bielenberg Sports Center. Health Promotion is a component of the Healthy Athletes initiative, which provides free health screenings to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Health Promotion motivates athletes to make healthy lifestyle choices that will improve their long-term health. Olympic Town, where athletes can play games and make friends, will be open Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics' athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

Download press release (PDF)

Return to Press Release Archives