Upcoming RI State Summer Games “Are Our Super Bowl,” Says Special Olympics’ DeJesus on LIVE

Upcoming RI State Summer Games “Are Our Super Bowl,” Says Special Olympics’ DeJesus on LIVE

Special Olympics RI will welcome over 1,500 athletes from all over the state to URI for the annual State Games on from May 31 to June 2 at URI — and Executive Director Dennis DeJesus joined GoLocalProv News Editor on LIVE to talk about the importance of the three days for athletes and their families.

"It’s a weekend of athletic competition, it’s a weekend of camaraderie, health screenings  — it’s just a tremendous weekend, it’s our Super Bowl,” said DeJesus. “It’s an opportunity for our athletes to showcase their talents on and off the athletic fields.”

DeJesus said however that it was the time away from competition that is equally as valuable.

“You know something, just the dormitories and them hanging out with one another is something very, very special for our athletes — it’s the only chance they get to go away during the summer, so URI is very, very special to them,” said DeJesus. 

The State Summer Games Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 31.   The Opening Ceremony will include the parade of athletes, the entrance of the Torch Run Final Leg with the Flame of Hope and the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron.

In addition to competitive events, Saturday will include Olympic Village and the Healthy Athletes Wellness Village.  Olympic Village is an area filled with fun and interactive events for athletes and their families to enjoy. Healthy Athletes Wellness Village is located in Olympic village offering free vision, dental, hearing and fun fitness screenings along with massage therapy for athletes.

For a complete competition schedule — and for volunteer opportunities — go here.