UW-Whitewater to host Special Olympics State Summer Games for fourth straight year

UW-Whitewater to host Special Olympics State Summer Games for fourth straight year

April 24, 2026

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is set to welcome thousands of Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes, volunteers, and fans to the Whitewater campus for the fourth consecutive year.

The State Summer Games are slated for June 4-6 at UW-Whitewater's indoor and outdoor athletics facilities, including Perkins Stadium, Kachel Fieldhouse, and the university's intramural fields. Due to construction this summer at Rex Foster Track, UW-Whitewater is working to determine an alternate location in the area for track and field events.

Teams cheered at the awards stage in Kachel Fieldhouse at the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games on Friday, June 6, 2025.

"Accessibility is central to our university mission, and this event gives Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes from around the state an opportunity to compete and have fun in a positive, inclusive environment," said Chancellor Corey A. King. "We are excited to welcome these athletes and their families and friends to Whitewater. Our staff and volunteers are ready to work with Special Olympics Wisconsin to host a first-class event."

"We are thrilled to once again partner with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to host our Summer Games, as their commitment to inclusion, excellence, and community creates an outstanding experience for our athletes," said Chad Hershner, President and CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin. "This collaboration allows us to deliver a premier event where athletes can compete, connect, and celebrate the power of sport in a truly welcoming environment."

Athletes and their friends and families from across the state watched the opening ceremony at Perkins Stadium on the UW-Whitewater campus on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

The three-day event kicks off with the Parade of Athletes and Opening Ceremony on June 4 inside Perkins Stadium. The remainder of the time includes opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to compete in track and field, cornhole, and powerlifting, engage in health and wellness activities and sessions, and participate in social events.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to run athletics events, serve meals, and assist with other aspects of the Games. Learn more about volunteering »

Torch bearers celebrated the arrival of the Special Olympics flame at Perkins Stadium at the end of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

UW-Whitewater has hosted the State Summer Games each year since 2023. The event is part of the dozens of camps, clinics, and special events hosted every summer by Continuing Education staff.

In 2025, a record 9,041 participants were part of nearly 100 summer events at UW-Whitewater. More than 6,300 were registered for UW-Whitewater camps, which include opportunities in athletics, the arts, music and more.