Nearly 5,300 Special Olympics Oklahoma participants will take over the campus of Oklahoma State University on May 14-16 to compete in the annual Summer Games. Special Olympics Oklahoma staff, thousands of volunteers, and law enforcement personnel are gearing up for three full days of competitions, Olympic-style ceremonies, an Olympic Village, and much more.

During the spring, athletes competed in local area competitions to qualify for the upcoming state games. Currently, there are 283 delegations registered to compete throughout the week in 11 different sports.

“Our athletes look forward to competing in these Games – it gives them something to look forward to,” said Special Olympics Summer Games Director Paul Fox. “Athletes are not the only ones who benefit from this event and others similar. We are increasing opportunities for healthier communities by cultivating understanding and inclusion.”

Beyond competitions, several professional healthcare workers will volunteer their time to offer a range of complimentary healthcare services available to all participants. Professional healthcare providers will volunteer their expertise, offering dental screenings, hearing tests, eye exams, and mental wellness techniques through the “Healthy Athletes” program, promoting overall well-being among athletes. This will take place in Wes Watkins Center on Thursday, May 15 from 9am-5pm.

Additionally on Thursday, May 15, McDonald’s will serve over 8,000 free lunches to athletes, coaches, and volunteers. Local McDonald’s staff will set up in the Monroe Parking Garage to cook and volunteers from local schools will come out to help serve meals.

This is the 40th Summer Games hosted at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the City of Stillwater (COS), and the 56th anniversary of Special Olympics Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s Summer Games are the largest Special Olympics event in North America, and the largest amateur athletic event in Oklahoma. Volunteers are still needed, and more information can be found at www.sook.org on how to register.

The 2025 Summer Games are presented by 918 Fully Involved, Cox Communications, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Drumright Dental Center, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Oklahoma, McDonald’s, and Bob & Liz Austin.