More than 1,000 Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes from across the state will experience the thrill of competition, the joy of inclusion, and the power of community at the 2025 State Summer Games, taking place Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1. This signature three-day event – Special Olympics Rhode Island’s largest sporting event of the year – will unfold across two venues: the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus (May 30–31) and St. George’s School in Middletown (June 1). Athletes will compete in a variety of sports including bowling, powerlifting, soccer skills, Unified soccer, track & field, and swimming.

The excitement begins with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 30 at Meade Stadium at URI. Highlights include the Parade of Athletes featuring 36 teams, the arrival of the “Flame of Hope” carried by law enforcement officers in the Torch Run Final Leg, and the official lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron to mark the start of the Games.

“Summer Games is more than just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of courage, perseverance, and the limitless potential of our athletes,” said Ed Pacheco, President and CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island. “This is their moment to shine, to compete with heart, and to show the world what inclusion truly looks like. If you’ve never witnessed the energy and emotion of Summer Games, I invite you to join us. I promise, you’ll leave inspired and forever changed.”

The Games are made possible by the dedication of more than 1,200 volunteers, including individuals, corporate teams, and members of Rhode Island law enforcement. Officers from the Law Enforcement Torch Run not only help raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Rhode Island throughout the year, they also help create special moments for athletes by cheering them on from the sidelines and presenting medals at Summer Games. Their run with the Flame of Hope from the State House to the Opening Ceremony is a cherished tradition that symbolizes unity and support.

Beyond competition, the Summer Games experience includes:

• Olympic Village: A fun-filled area featuring activities like coconut bowling, soccer darts, a dunk tank, and appearances by professional wrestlers from the Renegade Wrestling Alliance.

• Healthy Athletes Wellness Village: Free health screenings in vision, hearing, dental care, and fitness, plus massage therapy for athletes.

• Athlete Business Showcase: A platform where athletes promote and sell items from their own businesses.

This year’s Summer Games are powered by generous community support from dedicated sponsors who help make the event possible. URI Greek Life serves as the Presenting Sponsor, with student members raising an impressive $70,000 to support the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Shriners are proudly supporting the event as the Opening Ceremony Sponsor, helping bring the excitement and pageantry of the Games to life. 

SmartApp returns as the Olympic Village Sponsor, contributing both financial resources and in-kind services to help create a fun, inclusive environment for all.

For more information on the Games, including a full schedule of competitions and events and a map of the venues and activities, visit specialolympicsri.org/summergames.