FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2025

For More Information Contact:
Sharon Swehla
Tourism Director
660.665.2003

Special Olympics opening festivities include drone show, much more

(Kirksville, MO) - You are invited to the State Special Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 30, at Stokes Stadium. 

Activities begin around 6:30 pm with the schedule to include performances from Kirksville community dance teams, a drumline, the traditional parade of athletes and lighting of the torch. A highlight of the evening will also be a drone show in the sky over the stadium.  

Seating will be available in Stokes Stadium, with chairs and blankets acceptable on lawn areas to the east and west of the grandstands. Attendees can also bring noise makers and coolers. Concession stands will not be open, but water stations are available. Pets are welcome in the lawn sections. 

Parking on the Truman State University campus will be open throughout the Special Olympics. Visitors coming for the opening ceremony can park in the lots to the north or south of Stokes Stadium. 

Through a partnership between the City of Kirksville and Truman State University, a bid to serve as the host site was submitted last year. This is the first time the state summer games have been hosted in Kirksville. 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.

For a complete schedule of events, visit somo.org/summergames. Volunteer opportunities are still available, and more information can be found on the website. 

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