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2025 Special Olympics State Summer Games: Celebrate Courage, Community, and Competition in Billings
From May 14–16, more than1,000 athletes from across Montana will gather in Billings for the 2025 Special Olympics State Summer Games; a joyful, inspiring, and unforgettable celebration of perseverance, talent, and connection. This three-day event brings athletes, coaches, families, and supporters together for competition, camaraderie, and community.
Each May, the Games rotate between four Montana cities: Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. This is the second year in Billings for this current rotation, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest one yet. The Games have grown tremendously since their beginnings in 1970, when 100 athletes gathered in Billings for a local track meet. Today, more than 1,000 athletes will compete in 8 sports: Athletics (Track and Field), Swimming, Cycling, Gymnastics, Bocce, Soccer, Golf, and the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), which supports athletes with more significant physical and intellectual challenges.
Athletes train for months leading up to this moment, many have been participating in Special Olympics sports for years, even decades. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and joy are what make this event so impactful, not just for those on the field, but for every spectator in the stands. This year’s competitions are even more exciting: many events will serve as qualifiers for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Whether you volunteer, cheer from the sidelines, or attend the Opening Ceremony, you’ll be part of something truly special. The Special Olympics Games are open to everyone, free of charge, and there are opportunities for anyone in the community to get involved.
Don’t Miss the Opening Ceremony
The Special Olympics Games officially kick off with an incredible Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark. This free, public event will spotlight the athletes, celebrate the spirit of the Games, and feature music, entertainment, service awards, and community pride in full force. It’s one of the most heartwarming nights of the year, and it’s right here in Billings.
Why It Matters
The Special Olympics movement is about more than sports. It’s about ability, inclusion, resilience, and the deep human connections formed through teamwork and support. It’s about recognizing the strength and joy within every athlete. Special Olympics Montana is an athlete-centered, family-based, volunteer-driven movement with over 3,500 registered athletes across the state. Over 5,600 volunteers including coaches, event helpers, and community members make the magic happen.
Billings will see that magic firsthand this May. Competitions take place across multiple venues throughout the city and into Lockwood. Whether you come for an hour or stay all day, you’ll witness the power of perseverance and the joy of competition.
Want to Help? Be a Volunteer!
The Special Olympics can’t happen without community support, and more than 1,000 volunteers are needed this year. No prior experience is necessary. If you’re willing to show up and share your heart, there’s a spot for you. You can volunteer for a few hours, a full day, or multiple days. Sign up at somt.org to make a real difference.
Event Snapshot:
- When: May 14–16, 2025
- Where: Events held citywide across Billings and Lockwood
- Opening Ceremony: Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark
- Sports: Track & Field, Swimming, Cycling, Gymnastics, Bocce, Soccer, Golf, MATP
- USA Games Qualifiers: Many events qualify athletes for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis
- More Info & Full Schedule: somt.org/sports/state-summer-games
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Volunteer: Sign up at somt.org – opportunities available for all interests and availability
- Who Should Attend? Absolutely everyone—families, students, retirees, community members
- Atmosphere: Motivating, inclusive, joyful, and full of heart
If you’ve never experienced a Special Olympics event, this is the year to change that. You’ll leave feeling inspired, hopeful, and reminded of what really matters: connection, kindness, and the human spirit. Come for the competition, stay for the inspiration and let the athletes of Special Olympics Montana show you the true meaning of joy.
