Special Olympics returns to Springfield this weekend
What do you think?
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield will welcome nearly 1,000 Special Olympics Missouri athletes and coaches from across the state this weekend for the 2026 State Outdoor Games.
The three-day event runs Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, and will feature competitions in bocce, tennis, golf, softball and flag football at several locations throughout the city. Hundreds of volunteers are also expected to help make the event possible.
This is the second year of Springfield's three-year agreement to host the games from 2025 through 2027. The city partnered with the Springfield Sports Commission and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to bring the event to the area.
"These athletes have trained all season for this weekend, and Springfield has given them a stage worthy of that work," said Larry Linthacum, president and CEO of Special Olympics Missouri. "We'd love to see the stands full. Come out, cheer them on, and you'll leave inspired."
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Field No. 1 at Cooper Youth Sports Complex, 2601 E. Pythian St. The ceremony will also feature the announcement of the winner of Special Olympics Missouri's Drive It Home Raffle.
One of the finalists selected in September will win a 2026 Ford F-150, while the remaining finalists will receive cash prizes.
Stan Adams, interim executive director of the Springfield Sports Commission, said the games offer an opportunity to recognize the athletes' hard work and achievements while bringing the community together.
"Springfield is fortunate to have outstanding facilities and community partners who help make an event of this magnitude possible," Adams said. "We look forward to creating another unforgettable experience for the athletes, coaches, and families who make these Games so special."
Competition schedule
All competitions are free and open to the public.
Friday, Oct. 16: Bocce at Cooper Youth Sports Complex, 2601 E. Pythian St.; tennis at Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian St.; and golf at Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course, 1825 E. Norton Road. The opening ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at Cooper Youth Sports Complex.
Saturday, Oct. 17: Softball at Killian Softball Complex, 2141 E. Pythian St.
Sunday, Oct. 18: Flag football at Cooper Youth Sports Complex, 2601 E. Pythian St.
Volunteers still needed
Special Olympics Missouri is also seeking volunteers to assist throughout the weekend. Opportunities are available for those who can contribute a few hours or volunteer for the entire event.
Registered volunteers can pick up materials at the organization's Springfield office, 3524 S. National Ave., through Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional check-in opportunities will be available Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lake Country Soccer, 2334 E. Pythian St., as well as at the same location on event day.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up online at somo.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/state.
"Every medal handed out this weekend has a volunteer behind it," said Craig Hall, director of competition for Special Olympics Missouri. "Whether you can give a morning or the whole weekend, there's a spot for you."
Community members are encouraged to attend the competitions, support the athletes and help celebrate their accomplishments throughout the weekend.
