FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2026
Contact: Stan Adams, Interim Executive Director
Email: stan@springfieldmo.org
417-881-5300 ext. 109
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Sports Commission is thrilled to welcome the Special Olympics Missouri State Outdoor Games back to Springfield Oct. 16–18. The three-day event will bring approximately 1,200 athletes from across Missouri to compete in five sports.
Athletes will compete in bocce, golf, tennis, softball and flag football at top venues across Springfield, including Cooper Sports Complex, Cooper Tennis Complex, Killian Sports Complex and Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course.
“We are honored to host the Special Olympics Missouri State Outdoor Games in Springfield,” said Stan Adams, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission. “This event is a great opportunity to recognize the dedication and talent of these athletes while celebrating the values of inclusion and sportsmanship that make the Special Olympics so meaningful. We look forward to a great weekend of competition and showcasing the welcoming spirit of Springfield.”
The weekend will also include activities for athletes outside of competition. On Saturday, Oct. 17, athletes can take part in bingo and a dance at Evangel University’s AGFinancial Arena.
“We are thrilled to bring our State Outdoor Games to Springfield and celebrate the hard work, determination and accomplishments of our Special Olympics Missouri athletes,” said Craig Hall, Director of Competition & Outreach at Special Olympics Missouri. “These Games are about so much more than competition. They’re about building confidence, creating friendships and giving our athletes the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a statewide stage. Springfield has always been a tremendous supporter of Special Olympics Missouri, and we encourage the entire community to come out, cheer on our athletes and experience firsthand the excitement and inspiration these Games bring.”
Springfield’s selection as host is made possible through a partnership between the Springfield Sports Commission, Special Olympics Missouri, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Special Olympics Southwest Missouri and Lake Country Soccer. The 2026 games are the second year of Springfield’s three-year commitment to host the Special Olympics Missouri State Outdoor Games, which runs through 2027.
In addition to welcoming athletes and their families to Springfield, the games are expected to generate an estimated $1,612,398 in economic impact for the Springfield area.
“Events like this show the impact that sports can have on our community,” Adams said. “We are proud to welcome athletes and their families to Springfield, support local businesses, hotels and attractions, and create an experience that reflects the hospitality our community is known for.”
Overall estimated economic impact is calculated via the Destinations International Economic Impact Calculator and past event history.
For the latest information about the 2026 Special Olympics Missouri State Outdoor Games, visit springfieldmosports.org.