This Friday, more than 600 Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) athletes will begin participating in the 2025 State Summer Games at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Durham. Friday will feature a full day of competition and qualifying events in Athletics, Bocce, and Powerlifting, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

At 4:30 p.m., there will be a Police versus Fire baseball scrimmage as a preview of the 2025 Heroes Cup Baseball Game, which will take place on Friday, July 11 at Holman Stadium in Nashua. The day culminates with the Opening Ceremonies in Wildcat Stadium, beginning with the Parade of Athletes at 7:00 p.m.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics New Hampshire will carry the Flame of Hope into the stadium. Members of New Hampshire law enforcement will then participate in the annual cruiser and motorcycle parade.

Following the Opening Ceremonies, Track and Field competition will continue at the UNH track, followed by an awards ceremony. The Opening Ceremonies and the SONH State Summer Games are open to the public at no charge, and everyone is encouraged to come cheer on these remarkable athletes.

Saturday’s events begin at 8:00 a.m. at the UNH Outdoor Track. Additional events—including Bocce, Powerlifting in the Field House, Aquatics at the UNH Pool, and Equestrian competition at Paradis Farm on Tolend Road in Dover—will all be underway between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.

The SONH State Summer Games are once again presented by Associated Grocers of New England (AGNE). Mike Violette, president and CEO of AGNE, has supported SONH for more than 40 years. “Working with Special Olympics New Hampshire is a huge part of our company culture,” he says. “From the get-go, the athletes are phenomenal, and everyone should see a competition like the Summer Games at least once in their life.” He adds that he and his employees are “committed to supporting and celebrating the amazing spirit of these athletes.”

AGNE is a year-round partner to SONH. Employees volunteer at multiple events annually, and the company donates food and products for many SONH functions. For the Summer Games alone, AGNE provides hundreds of meals for athletes and volunteers.

Both Friday and Saturday will feature Olympic Town at UNH, offering arts, crafts, and entertainment. Saturday will also include a static display of law enforcement equipment and free health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes® program, presented this year by Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

Additional sponsors of the two-day event include Eversource Energy and the Kiwanis Club of Salem, New Hampshire. McDonald’s–The Napoli Group is the presenting sponsor for the Swimming competition.

Shelby Cote, SONH Director of Communications and Volunteers, notes that this is the largest SONH competition of the year:

“The State Summer Games are where courage ignites, joy is contagious, and the true power of sport is on full display. With 600 athletes competing in six incredible sports, this is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of determination, unity, and the human spirit. Whether you come to cheer, volunteer, or dream of competing one day, there’s a place for you in the magic of Special Olympics.”

It takes hundreds of volunteers to create and manage this two-day event. “If you’re wanting to join the Special Olympics New Hampshire family, now’s your chance,” Cote added.

Individuals or groups interested in volunteering can find opportunities and times on the SONH website: www.SONH.org. Click the red “Volunteer” bar at the top of the homepage to view tasks, dates, and shift times. Available shifts range from just a few hours to a full day or more.