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State Summer Games presented by Spectrum
June 7 - June 9
2024 State Summer Games presented by Spectrum
Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9, 2024
Colorado Mesa University
1100 North Ave.
Grand Junction, CO 81501
We are super excited to announce the theme for this year’s State Summer Games is Through the Decades!
During Opening Ceremonies, each region will dress up as the decade noted below
⭐ Denver Region – ’60s
⭐ Southeast Region – ’70s
⭐ Northeast Region – ’80s
⭐ Western Region – ’90s
⭐ Young Athletes – ’00s
Tentative Schedule Friday, June 7
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Coach Check In
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Staging for Opening Ceremonies
7:30 PM – Opening Ceremonies
Saturday, June 8 – Competitions to begin!
Please stay tuned for additional details as the event gets closer!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Sport Specific Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedules
Young Athletes at State Summer Games presented by Spectrum
Registration Required
Please contact Ashtyn Anderson aanderson@specialolympicsco.org for more information and to register for this event.
Healthy Athletes Screenings sponsored by Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
Saturday, June 8
Dominguez Hall
Open to Athletes, Unified Partners, and Coaches
Please review the information for each screening below for the times and appointment information.
Questions? Please contact Jena Twete, Director of Inclusive Health, at jtwete@specialolympicsco.org.
Want a FREE Limited Edition Healthy Athletes Medal?
This Medal is available to ALL who attend 4 of the 9 screenings.
Receive a variety of goodies and giveaways at most of the screenings.
Healthy Athletes Fit Feet Screening, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, No appointment necessary ahead of time.
The screening lasts 10-15 minutes with low touch (feet may be touched during sizing and exam)
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
DETAILS:
Fit Feet offers podiatric screenings to evaluate ankles, feet, and lower extremity biomechanics. The mission of the Special Olympics Fit Feet is to improve the quality of life and long-term health of Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual disabilities. Fit Feet screenings give athletes, coaches and caregivers a better understanding of any existing and previously unknown foot problems.
Healthy Athletes FUNfitness Screening, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, No appointment necessary ahead of time.
The screening lasts 30-45 minutes with high touch.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
DETAILS:
FUNfitness provides athletes the opportunity to be screened for flexibility of hamstring, calf, shoulder rotator and hip flexor muscles; functional strength of the abdominal and lower extremity muscles; and balance. During these screenings physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapist or physical therapist assistant students work with athletes and coaches to improve optimal function in sports training and competition, prevention of or reduced risk for injury and recommending exercises and other helpful strategies.
Healthy Athletes Health Promotion Screening, at State Summer Games Presented by Kaiser Permanente
Saturday, June 8th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, No appointment necessary ahead of time.
The screening lasts 30-45 minutes, high touch at beginning of screening and becomes low touch .
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
DETAILS:
Health Promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. It moves beyond a focus on individual behavior towards a wide range of social and environmental interventions. Special Olympics Health Promotion’s goal is to improve the quality of life and long-term health of Special Olympics athletes through education on healthy behaviors, screening and medical referrals when appropriate. Objectives of Health Promotion are to: deliver screening and referral services, provide health education to encourage and enhance healthy behaviors, reduce risky behaviors, improve self-efficacy and self-advocacy, and increase the investment of health promotion leaders for people with intellectual disabilities.
Healthy Athletes Healthy Hearing Screening, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
DETAILS:
Appointments will take about 20-30 minutes and we will see 2 athletes at a time. Appointments will occur every 10 minutes from 10 AM – 12:00 PM (the last appointment available starts at 11:30 AM). This screening will open back up again at 1:00 PM when the Healthy Athletes Event opens. No appointments will be required once the event opens at 1:00 PM.
Coaches: this is helpful information if you are trying to book appointments for your athletes and have them done together.
Attending Healthy Hearing before the Healthy Athletes event officially opens at 1:00 PM will still count towards your 4 of 9 screenings for getting your Summer Games Healthy Athletes prize.
The Healthy Hearing discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive hearing screenings and follow-up recommendations. The main goals of this program are to inform athletes, parents, coaches or caregivers about the detection of possible ear and hearing problems, recommend follow-up as needed, and promote the necessity of regular ear and hearing screenings.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
Healthy Athletes Healthy Young Athletes Screening, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This is an Appointment Based Screening Only. Appointments Highly Encouraged.
DETAILS:
The screening will take between 40 minutes and 1 hour
Healthy Young Athletes is a holistic pediatric screening offered to children 2 – 9 years old, with and without Intellectual Disabilities, as an initial offering by Healthy Athletes. The screening is intended to complement a child’s primary care and provides an additional review of the child’s health and development. It is therefore paired with a comprehensive referral and community support strategy that links families with local providers, community services, and education resources for follow-up and continued support. It also serves as an educational experience to increase health and development knowledge amongst parents and caregivers. This is achieved by identifying medical, developmental, and behavioral concerns that parents and caregivers may have about their child and directing them to the appropriate resources.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
Healthy Athletes MedFest Screening, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This is an Appointment Based Screening Only. Appointments Highly Encouraged.
DETAILS:
Appointments will take about 30 minutes and we will see 2 athletes at a time. Coaches: this is helpful information if you are trying to book appointments for your athletes and have them done together.
Attending MedFest will count towards your 4 of 9 screenings for getting your Summer Games Healthy Athletes prize.
MedFest was created to offer the physical exam that all athletes need prior to participating in Special Olympics sports programming. It is sometimes the first exposure these athletes have to medical care. In many cases, life-threatening conditions have been found and subsequently treated thanks to MedFest. Led by volunteer physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and medical students, the MedFest screening consists of the following stations: medical history, height and weight, blood pressure, cardiology test, musculoskeletal test, orthopedic tests, abdominal evaluation, and a check out station.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
Healthy Athletes Opening Eyes Screening, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM AND 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
DETAILS:
Appointments will take about 30-40 minutes and we will see 2 athletes at a time. Appointments will occur every 15 minutes from 10 AM – 12:00 PM (the last appointment available starts at 11:15 AM) This screening will open back up again at 1:00 PM when the Healthy Athletes Event opens.
Coaches: this is helpful information if you are trying to book appointments for your athletes and have them done together.
Attending Opening Eyes before the Healthy Athletes event officially opens at 1:00 PM will still count towards your 4 of 9 screenings for getting your Summer Games Healthy Athletes prize.
The Special Olympics Opening Eyes® program is a vision and eye health screening in partnership with the Lions Club International Foundation. Led by volunteer vision care professionals, Opening Eyes is able to offer prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and sports goggles to Special Olympics Colorado athletes.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
Healthy Athletes Special Smiles Screening, at State Summer Games Presented by Smile Generation
Saturday, June 8th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, No appointment necessary ahead of time.
The screening lasts 10-15 minutes with low touch (looking in the mouth).
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
DETAILS:
The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to participating Special Olympics athletes.
Healthy Athletes Strong Minds Offering, at State Summer Games
Saturday, June 8th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, No appointment necessary ahead of time.
The screening lasts 10-20 minutes with low touch.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
DETAILS:
Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as: thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress and connecting with others. Through Strong Minds, Athletes identify the good resources they have within themselves to manage stressful situations. It empowers them to understand how they can help themselves and gives them the coping strategies to do so.
Accessibility and Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request a non–sport accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please click below to send us an email, we will do our best to support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Mesa University – The Competition Location
Colorado Mesa University (CMU): 1100 North Ave, Grand Junction
AND
Stocker Stadium (Track and Field Events Only): 998 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction
AND
Orchard Mesa Pool (Sunday – Lead Ups) – 2736 Unaweep Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81503
From I-70, take exit 31 for Horizon Drive. After exiting I-70 there will be Special Olympics signage directing you to campus.
Distance to Grand Junction:
- From Denver: Approximately 4 hours
- From Colorado Springs: Approximately 4 hours, 45 minutes
- From Fort Collins: Approximately 4 hours, 45 minutes
The weather in Grand Junction in June is typically very dry and hot. Click HERE to view the weather forecast.
SOCO will have hydration stations at all competition venues so check back for the map!
CMU: Free parking is available for attendees in lot CP9 located off Cannel Avenue. Click HERE to view the parking map.
There is a limited amount of accessible parking available at the front of each lot.
Stoker Stadium: There is ample parking available on-site at Stoker Stadium and within a short walk of the Track and Field venue. Accessible parking is also available.
All venues (except Track) are located on campus and can be accessed via a short walk. All pathways on campus are paved and easily accessible.
Attendees are welcome to walk across the street to Stoker Stadium or we will have shuttles running regularly from outside the University Center to Stoker and back throughout the day.
Planning and Packing
Check back here to view the suggested “To Pack List”.
Meals, snacks and housing will be provided for the weekend. Money would be needed to purchase Special Olympics souvenirs, additional snacks at Olympic Town or at a store on campus, or anything off campus.
Sports Competition
- Athletics (Track & Field)
- Powerlifting
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Young Athletes
Track and Field: Stoker Stadium (Across the street from CMU)
- Stoker Stadium Shuttle: Stoker Stadium is located across a large street so there is a shuttle that will pick up in the CP9 parking lot and transport to/from Stoker Stadium. The shuttle will make regular trips back and forth throughout the day
- Check the map soon for more information on pick up and drop offs for transportation.
- Wait Times: Please note that there could be wait times leading up to or during competition. Athletes/coaches are welcome to find space in the shade, enjoy some of the snacks we will have available or check-out the souvenir tent
- Spectator Seating: There is plenty of bleacher seating available. Fans/teams are welcome to bring tents as long as they are always weighed down and cannot be left in the stands overnight
- Hydration: We will have plenty of hydration at Stoker Stadium, including a “Hydration Station” with information on proper hydration, water and cooling towels (while supplies last)
- Restrooms: Ample restrooms are available under the bleachers
- Parking: Ample parking is available at Stoker Stadium and is just a short walk into the stadium
Soccer:
- Spectator Seating: There is plenty of room for spectator seating/viewing. Fans are welcome and encouraged to bring chairs and tents if they are always weighed down and are not left overnight.
- Hydration: We will have plenty of hydration with information on proper hydration, water and cooling towels (while supplies last).
- Restrooms: The closest restrooms are a short walk from the soccer venue at Dominguez Hall
Swimming: El Pomar Natatorium
- Spectator Seating: Camp chairs will not be allowed in the viewing area of the pool. We also ask that spectators rotate through the seats in front of pool where races are being run. Cooperating with all other spectators will allow the best viewing of the events.
- Hydration: We will have plenty of hydration at swimming, including a “Hydration Station” with information on proper hydration, water and cooling towels (while supplies last).
- Restrooms: There are restrooms near the Natatorium.
Powerlifting: Maverick Center
- Spectator Seating: There is ample bench/bleacher seating inside the venue.
- Hydration: We will have plenty of hydration at powerlifting, including a “Hydration Station” with information on proper hydration, water and cooling towels (while supplies last).
- Restrooms: There are restrooms in the Maverick Center
Awards will be given at each venue after the competitions have been concluded.
Lodging and Food
CMU dorms are available for registered athletes, Unified partners, coaches, Young Athletes and their families, and members of the Games Organizing Committee.
Rooming assignments will be sent out via email to coaches on May 18th. Names for each room are due back by May 26th.
To request an accessible room please contact Susan Foege at SF@SpecialOlympicsCO.org.
Click here to see hotel options for Summer Games attendees not staying in the dorms.
The following meals are provided:
Friday
- Dinner served from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and a Rice Krispie treat will be provided by Chilis Grill and Bar in the Plaza Tent
Saturday
- Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m., University Center
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- Breakfast buffet with GF and vegetarian options available
- Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Delivered to Venues
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- Sandwiches, chips and drink
- Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., University Center
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- Dinner TBD
- Dinner TBD
Sunday
- Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m., University Center
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- Breakfast buffet with GF and vegetarian options available
- Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Delivered to Venues
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- Sandwiches, chips and drink
- Snacks:
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- A variety of snacks (GF and vegetarian options) will be available at the “Hospitality Tent” located at each venue throughout the weekend.
- Snacks are available for purchase in the University Center.
Note: We will do our best to have Gluten Free and Vegetarian options at all meals but are unable to make guarantees. Should you have dietary restrictions, we would recommend bringing any specific dietary needs or stopping at the grocery store on the way onto campus.
- City Market: 2600 N 12th St, Grand Junction (.5 miles from campus/ ~11 minute walk)
- Safeway: 681 Horizon Dr, Grand Junction (1.4 miles from campus /~ 5 min drive)
- Walmart Supercenter: 2545 Rimrock Ave, Grand Junction 81505 (2.4 miles from campus / ~8 min drive)
- Target: 2424 Highway 6 and 50 Grand Junction (3.4 miles from campus / ~9 min drive)
No alcohol is allowed anywhere on campus. There is no smoking allowed anywhere on campus including in outdoor venues. This includes cigarettes, marijuana, and vaping.
Upon arrival, coaches will check in for their team at Dominguez Hall. Housing information and directions will be given out at that time.
Coaches will distribute room keys to everyone on the team.
At the conclusion of the weekend, we ask that one individual turn in all keys for the team at the front desk of their dorm room.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request a non–sport accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please email Accommodation@SpecialOlympicsCO.org and we will do our best to support.
Yes, it is coming soon!
There will be 3 low sensory areas located throughout the competition, including Track and Field, in the Healthy Athletes Area (Dominguez Hall, 2nd floor) and in the Maverick Center. Sensory areas will be marked by signage and will include headphones, wiggle seats, weighted blankets and fidgets.
Volunteering
All volunteers, besides Track and Field volunteers, check in will take place under the black star tent located on the alumni field.
Track and Field volunteers will report directly to Stocker Stadium where they will be checked in and provided with a shirt.
We will have a staff that each volunteer will report to per venue. Once at your assigned venue, volunteers will receive their volunteer orientation, be provided with a safety debriefing, and be assigned a volunteer role.
Check out Helpful Tips When Working With Our Athletes for more information.
Emergencies and Medical
If there is an emergency, three loud horns will sound. Please STOP, LOOK and LISTEN for Instruction from staff.
Law enforcement and medical will be on-site and ready to support as will SOCO staff.
Emergency procedures will also be posted around the venues.
First Aid/Medical will be available at all competition venues. A full medical tent will also be available at Olympic Town outside of the University Center. Any attendee in need of assistance is welcome to reach out to a staff member or volunteer who will be wearing identifiable nametags and shirts.
St. Mary’s Medical Center is the closest emergency hospital.
Non-Competition Events, Healthy Athletes, and Other FAQs
- Opening Ceremony: Fri., June 7: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Bergmann Field
- Olympic Town: Sat., June 8: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Plaza Tent
- Will include activities, souvenirs, games, snacks, and a Resource Fair!
- Healthy Athletes Screenings: Sat., June 8: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Dominguez Hall
- Victory Dance: Sat., June 8: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Plaza Tent
- Family Reception + Bingo: Sat., June 8: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Dominguez Hall 3rd floor
Check back here to view the full schedule!
- Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday, June 7th at Bergmann Field at 7:30 p.m.
- Athletes and teams are staging on the practice football field at 7:00 p.m
- We will have an ASL interpreter at the opening ceremonies.
- If you require this accommodation, the interpreter will be located on the first base side of the stage. Reserved seating will be available for those who would like to view the ASL interpreter in the lower section.
- Wheelchair accessible seating is available in sections 103, 106, 108 and 111. Volunteers will be available to help direct people.
We will have hydration stations available at all competition venues. They will include water, education on proper hydration and cooling towels (while supplies last). Outdoor stations will be marked with a feather banner and indoor stations will be marked with a tablecloth.
Any lost and found items will be placed at the information booths marked with a feather banner or tablecloth.
What: The Healthy Athletes screenings will give athletes, Unified partners and coaches the opportunity to receive free health screenings, health education and referrals in a fun and welcoming environment.
Screenings Offered: Fit Feet, FUNFitness, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion, Healthy Young Athletes, Medfest, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, and Strong Minds.
When: Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m
Please review the information and registration links for each screening to secure an appointment ahead of time.
Where: Dominguez Hall.
Prizes: If you attend 4 of the 9 screenings, you will receive a Limited-Edition Healthy Athletes Medal as well as a variety of goodies and giveaways at most of the screenings.
What to Expect from the Atmosphere: This is a crowded area where many people may be talking at once. There may also be some wait time in between screenings. There is elevator access to all floors but please note that space may be tight due to the volume of people in the building. Thank you for your patience with this!
Expected Time Per Screening:
- Fit Feet= 10-15 minutes, low touch (feet may be touched during sizing and exam)
- FUNFitness= 30-45 minutes screening, high touch
- Healthy Hearing= 30-45 minutes screening, high touch
- Health Promotion= 30-45 minutes, high touch at beginning of screening and becomes low touch
- Healthy Young Athletes= 30-45 minutes, medium touch
- Medfest= 30 minutes, high touch (physical exam)
- Opening Eyes= 30-45 minutes screening, low touch (eye exam)
- Special Smiles= 10-15 minutes, low touch (looking in mouth)
- Strong Minds= 10-20 minutes screening, low touch
Souvenirs can be purchased throughout the weekend and will be open on:
Saturday – Maverick Center – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday – Olympic Town – Red Star tent – 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Sunday – Stocker Stadium – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Information booths will be available at the athletics venue (marked by a feather banner) and the soccer venue (marked by a feather banner). There will be an information table staffed in the Maverick Center in between powerlifting and swimming (located near hospitality table).
We will have hydration stations available at all competition venues. They will include water, education on proper hydration and cooling towels (while supplies last). Outdoor stations will be marked with a feather banner and indoor stations will be marked with a tablecloth.
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