Gators Bring the Heat at the Special Olympics Summer Games

Our Gator athletes made their way to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois to compete in the 2025 Summer Games.
The Summer Games are a Special Olympics multi-sport event. This event brings together more than 15,000 participants, including 3,500 athletes, 1,250 coaches, 1,200 volunteers, and 10,000 family members.

The ceremony consisted of a Parade of Athletes, the National Anthem, the Athlete Oath, and the lighting of the Flame of Hope. After this unforgettable celebration, it was time for the Gators to begin competing in track and field, powerlifting, swimming, and bocce.

For our track stars:

Marco placed 3rd in the mile, earning a bronze medal, and 5th for long jump. Tim, Mikey, Miguel, and Zach worked together to place 6th in their relay. Zach placed 7th in mini javelin. Miguel placed 1st in the 100-meter run, earning a gold medal, and 6th in shot put. Last, but not least, Tim placed 4th for the 100-meter run.

Our bocce players were on a roll:

Andy placed 2nd, earning a silver medal, and Danny placed 1st, earning a gold medal.

Our swimmers blew us out of the water:

Rachel placed 1st in freestyle, earning a gold medal, and 3rd in backstroke, earning a bronze. Luke placed 1st in the 25-meter freestyle, earning a gold medal, and 4th in the 50-meter freestyle.

Our power lifters raised the bar:

Allison placed first in squat, 1st in deadlift, and 4th in bench press leading to a total of 1st place combined. James placed 1st in deadlift (setting a new personal record), 3rd in bench press, and 2nd in squat leading to a total of 1st place combined. Harrison place 1st in deadlift and third in bench press leading to a total of 1st place combined. Jesse placed 1st in bench press and deadlift leading to a total of 1st place combined. Together, these athletes took home four gold medals for the Gators.

Unfortunately, the Victory Dance and some Saturday afternoon events were canceled due to extreme heat. Nonetheless, the Games were an event to remember for all our athletes and participants.

We are proud of all our Gator athletes for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship! The 2025 Summer Games were a blast, and we are looking forward to next year!