Owensboro will host of the Special Olympics State Softball Tournament and Team Skills Competition next September at Jack C. Fisher Park. Organizers expect the event to draw 40-45 teams and more than 900 athletes and coaches from around the state.
The event is scheduled for September 6-8, 2024. This marks the first time since 2007 that Owensboro has hosted the tournament.
Special Olympics Kentucky President/CEO Trish Mazzoni said the facility at Fisher Park was a major reason for the decision to bring the tournament to Owensboro.
“This facility is one of the best, if not the best, softball facility in the state of Kentucky. I’ve seen just about all of them, and I can say that,” Mazzoni said. “One of the things we strive for, especially with our state championships, is to give our athletes the opportunity to compete at top-quality venues and in communities that we know will support them. This move provides both. The park is absolutely tremendous and ensures that we can play in almost any weather situation.”
Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department Director Amanda Rogers said conversations to host the event began in late April.
“Our department and some of our team members have a history working with the event years back when it was previously held at the park,” she said. “To play host to these athletes at the complex and in our community is an honor. We look forward to watching them compete.”
In addition to the competition, athletes will get together for a “Party at the Pier” that Saturday night in downtown Owensboro.
Special Olympics Kentucky Area 2 Director Kim Johnson said she is excited to partner with Visit Owensboro.
“The collaboration brings a state Special Olympics event back to Owensboro. It allows teams from across the state to come to Owensboro and offers an opportunity for supporters to cheer on local teams,” Johnson said.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation in competitive events is open to all individuals 8 years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in Kentucky in 15 sports.
In addition to its traditional sports competitions, Special Olympics also offers early childhood programming through the Young Athletes Program and medical screenings through the Healthy Athletes Initiative.
Special Olympics Kentucky began as a 1-day event in Louisville in 1970 and has expanded to serve more than 10,000 athletes statewide annually. Special Olympics is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the global movement in 2023.
