Kirksville, Truman to Host Special Olympics Summer Games

Kirksville has been selected to host the 2025 Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games, and the Truman campus will be the site for all of the events.

Through a partnership between the city and Truman, a bid to serve as the host site was submitted earlier this year, and the games were officially announced in early August. This event will bring hundreds of people – competitors, coaches, family members and spectators – to Kirksville next summer for a weekend full of athletics, fun and community support. This marks the first time Kirksville will host the event. The games are scheduled to take place at the end of May or early June.

“We are both thrilled and honored to host the State Summer Games along with our wonderful Kirksville partners,” said University President Sue Thomas. “We look forward to working with the Special Olympics Missouri team to put on the best games yet.”

Truman’s facilities will host all four athletic events, which include powerlifting, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. Truman will also host the athletes in its resident halls.

In addition to the sports competitions, the State Summer Games will include the traditional Opening Ceremony, featuring the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the torch. The event will also offer health screenings through Special Olympics Missouri’s Healthy Athletes program, providing essential health services to participating athletes.

“We are excited about connecting with the Kirksville community and Truman State University,” said Larry Linthacum, president and CEO of Special Olympics Missouri. “We’re most excited to connect with the Kirksville community and their volunteers as we work together to ensure our athletes have a tremendous championship experience.”

Kirksville has a strong tradition with the Special Olympics, as local athletes frequently qualify for the state and USA games. Kirksville also has a history as a hub for exceptional community support services and organizations for people with intellectual disabilities.

“We are elated to bring the Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games to Kirksville,” said Sharon Swehla, Kirksville tourism director. “I thank Truman for its collaboration to make this a possibility. I believe this event will make a great impact on Kirksville, and we look forward to ensuring Kirksville makes a great impact on it as well.”

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of athletes participate in 13 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics Missouri provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

Details about the games including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities will be posted at somo.org/summergames.