ARIZONA NEWS

Special Olympics Arizona returns this weekend after 2-year COVID hiatus

May 2, 2022, 4:15 AM | Updated: 10:46 pm

(Facebook Photo/Special Olympics Arizona)...

(Facebook Photo/Special Olympics Arizona)

(Facebook Photo/Special Olympics Arizona)

PHOENIX — Following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Special Olympics Arizona is returning to the Valley this weekend.

More than 1,500 athletes statewide will make their way to Glendale to compete in the two-day competition taking place Friday and Saturday at Kellis High School.

The 2022 Summer Games will kick off Friday with track and field, volleyball and powerlifting, and conclude on Saturday with track and field, indoor athletics and esports.

“To say we are excited for the Summer Games to return would be an understatement, we can’t wait to see all the athletes back in action,” Special Olympics President and CEO Jamie Heckerman said in the press release.

“This is one of our biggest events, to have it canceled two straight years was truly heartbreaking.”

The event will begin with the annual opening ceremony that will feature the athletes, a ceremonial torch lighting and the victory dance.

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Special Olympics Arizona returns this weekend after 2-year COVID hiatus