Special Olympics Summer Games Open

Kenny Jackson and Blair Thomas, a pair of former Nittany Lion football standouts will serve as the Honorary Chairs of the 38th annual games. Jackson was a first team All-America wide receiver in 1983 and ’83 and Thomas was a first team All-America tailback in 1989.

More than 90 Nittany Lion student-athletes, representing 12 varsity teams, and members of the Penn State Cheerleaders, will be among the 2,000 volunteers at the state-level competition, which will include events such as aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis. 

This is the 20h consecutive year Penn State has hosted the summer games, which are sponsored by Sheetz, Inc.

Jackson and Thomas  will be joined by special guests Steve Jones, the voice of the Nittany Lion football and basketball teams on the Penn State Sports Network, and WTAJ-TV Sports Director Kellie Goodman, who calls Lady Lion Basketball games for WPSU-TV. Jones will emcee the VIP reception and Closing Ceremonies, while Goodman will emcee the Opening Ceremonies.

The games will kick off on Thursday afternoon with preliminary action in athletics, aquatics, basketball, golf and softball. Thursday at 7:15 p.m. the traditional fanfare of the opening ceremonies will take place at Jeffrey Field, just off University Drive.

On Friday, competition will begin in bowling, equestrian, gymnastics and tennis and will continue through Saturday afternoon. The games will conclude with the Closing Ceremonies and victory dance Saturday night in Rec Hall. There is no admission fee for any of the events.

For more information about the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games or to volunteer at the games, call 800-865-3600 or click here.