Following a successful 2023 season, the Special Olympics Victoria State Games will return to the City of Casey this July and September.
The State Olympic Games platforms athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism by showcasing their determination and sportsmanship across various sporting fields.
The multi-sport event will take place over two weekends, Saturday 6 July to Sunday 7 July and September 20 to September 22 at multiple sporting venues in Casey. Athletes will complete in athletics, basketball, bocce, football (soccer) golf, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, netball, sailing, swimming, tennis, table tennis and tenpin bowling.
2024 is also a qualifying year, allowing all Special Olympics athlete members the chance to compete and represent Victoria at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games.
To mark the beginning of the games, there will be two opening ceremonies with the first to take place on Saturday July 6 at Casey Stadium. Athletes from each club will take part in the Victoria Law Enforcement Torch Run alongside Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner, Shane Patton. Another ceremony will be held on Saturday 21 September to mark the beginning of the summer sport competition.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the Special Olympics Victoria State Games back to Casey,” said City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM.
“The competition is a fantastic avenue to highlight the courage and determination of athletes living with a disability and dedicated to achieving their sporting goals.
“We warmly welcome the new and returning athletes back to Casey this year and are proud to host the games at a range of our accessible sporting facilities. I encourage members of our community to head along to the games and show your support.”
“Special Olympics Victoria is incredibly excited to be hosting our State Games in the City of Casey once again,” said James Hammond, Special Olympics Australia State Manager Victoria/Tasmania.
“Our athletes always feel welcome and the support from the community and outstanding facilities makes it a wonderful location for our athletes to shine. We look forward to making this our biggest and best State Games yet and invite anyone in the community to come along and cheer on our athletes.”
All community members are welcomed to attend the State Games.
To view the full events program please visit: https://www.specialolympics.com.au/find-a-sport-near-me/vic
