January 23, 2009

UC Davis to Host 2009 Special Olympics Summer Games

Special Olympics Northern California announced it will hold its 2009 Summer Games at the University of California, Davis on June 26-28. More than 900 athletes will compete for gold in such Olympic-style events as swimming, track and field and tennis. Opening Ceremonies will be held at the newly-completed Aggie Stadium. All events are free and open to the public.

“We are very happy UC Davis will be hosting our Summer Games competitions next year,” said Rick Collett, CEO and President of Special Olympics Northern California. “UC Davis and the City of Davis are giving us a warm welcome, and we look forward to bringing 900 athletes, 300 coaches and 1300 volunteers to such a beautiful and visitor-friendly campus.”

“To be able to host these Special Olympics Summer Games is an honor, said UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. “We will have the privilege of watching the best of the best – a thrill for the athletes and a thrill for us.”

The 2009 Summer Games is the largest Special Olympics event in Northern California. Athletes travel from more than 35 counties and must qualify to compete for championship-level play. To qualify for the Summer Games, athletes train for 6-8 weeks in their sport and must participate in a regional competition which takes place throughout Northern California in April and May.

Last year the University of California at Berkeley hosted Special Olympics Summer Games. Due to planned renovations for the track and field and aquatics venues, a decision was made to move the 2009 Summer Games to UC Davis.

Special Olympics Northern California is a free year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. More than 13,000 athletes compete in over 170 competitions throughout the region in 15 sports. Find out how you can be a fan and visit www.SONC.org.