Special Olympics to return to Vermillion in May
The City of Vermillion will host the 51st Special Olympics Summer Games from May 16-18. 580 athletes, 250 coaches and 500 volunteers are expected to return to the founding location of South Dakota’s Special Olympics organization.
Nate Welch, President and CEO of the Vermillion Chamber & Development Company (VCDC) said he can’t wait to have the visiting athletes experience a “warm” and “welcoming” community.
“Supporter turnout for this year’s Special Olympics South Dakota Summer Games is great. Our Special Olympics committee has been hard at work for many months, and our volunteers are all very excited to host,” he said in a news release.
Dave Herbster, Summer Games committee chair and USD Athletic Director, said the community is “firing on all cylinders” to bring back the Special Olympics games for the first time in 50 years.
“The teamwork being exhibited by the VCDC, the community, USD and Special Olympics South Dakota is inspiring,” he said.
The VCDC is still searching for volunteers to help operate three days worth of events.
“We’ve been amazed by Vermillion’s preparedness and volunteer preparation,” said Darryl Nordquist, President and CEO of Special Olympics South Dakota. “We are looking forward to bringing our state summer games to Vermillion, given the enthusiasm that volunteers are showing to host our athletes.”
Those interested in volunteering can contact Mike Bartos of the VCDC at (605) 624-5571 or [email protected].
