The Truman campus recently served as the site of the 2025 Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games.

Between athletes, coaches, family members and spectators, more than 1,000 people came to Kirksville, May 30-June 1, for a weekend full of athletics, fun and community support. This was the first time Kirksville hosted the event. Truman facilities were used for all four athletic contests, including powerlifting, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. Athletes also stayed on campus in University residence halls.

“We were thrilled and honored to host the State Summer Games along with our wonderful Kirksville partners,” said University President Sue Thomas. “It was an amazing and inspiring community effort.”

In addition to the athletic competitions, the State Summer Games included the traditional Opening Ceremony featuring the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the torch. Health screenings through Special Olympics Missouri’s Healthy Athletes program were also provided on site.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of athletes participate in 13 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics Missouri provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.