WISCONSIN DELLS  — Nearly 800 bocce, flag football, and softball athletes from across the state will converge on the Woodside Dells Sports Complex (4770 Wis. Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells) Friday through Sunday, Sept. 8-10, for the inaugural Special Olympics Wisconsin Fall Games.

An Opening Ceremony at Chula Vista Resort will welcome all athletes, coaches, family, and fans on Friday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. Bocce, flag football, and softball teams will all begin competition Saturday morning at 9 a.m., with flag football and softball teams’ medal rounds taking place Sunday. A full schedule of events can be found on the Fall Games page of the SOWI website.  

Complementing the Fall Games, Special Olympics Wisconsin will host a series of health-focused activities, including two Healthy Athletes events on Saturday alone. Special Smiles (oral health screenings and education) and Strong Minds (coping and emotional wellness training) will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. within the Woodside grounds. Additionally, the HEAR Wisconsin Mobile Audiology Clinic will be stationed just outside the entrance for free hearing screenings. All SOWI athletes — not just those competing at Fall Games — are welcome to attend all Healthy Athletes events free of charge. 

Volunteers are still needed for multiple roles throughout the weekend and each will receive a free T-shirt. A great community service opportunity for all, Special Olympics Wisconsin needs continued support from the Dells area to help to bring these Fall Games to life. A direct link to register can be found here.  

For more information about Spring Games and the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement itself, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.