Special Olympics Texas North Region Hosts Inaugural Regional Fall Games

Special Olympics Texas North Region Hosts Inaugural Regional Fall Games

The first in-person event in over 18 months expects to draw over 400 athletes and Unified partners, hundreds of volunteers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : October 12, 2021

TEXAS - Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) will host a regional Fall Games on Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 8:00am - 4:00pm at Oran Good Park in Farmers Branch. This will be the first Fall Games SOTX hosts regionally, as Fall Games have historically been a statewide event, and the first in-person competition in the DFW area in over 18 months! This regional competition is expected to bring 400-500 athletes and partners from 20+ delegations to compete in bocce and softball as well as over 100 volunteers.

Alongside the competition, athletes, families, volunteers, and the public can expect a pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus and Farmers Branch Police Department, performance stations with Orangetheory Fitness from 10am - 12pm, and a cornhole tournament fundraiser, presented by BKD. Finish Line will also be at the event, giving away 400 pairs of shoes for athletes and local delegations.

The North Region Fall Games will occur in conjunction with World Sight Day (October 14th), an international day of awareness held every October to focus attention on the global issue of eye health. With the support of the Alcon Foundation and additional partners, free vision screenings for over 400 SOTX athletes, Unified partners, and family members will be available during the event from 10am - 2pm. “The Alcon Foundation’s priority is to increase access to eye care worldwide. We are committed to helping everyone see brilliantly, and we are proud to support Special Olympics Texas’ Opening Eyes Program”, according to Alcon Foundation Manager of Foundation & Partnerships Jill Ames. SOTX is expecting at least 8 doctors and over 80 volunteers assisting with the screenings.

Additionally, Essilor and Essilor Vision Foundation will be supporting the event. “Special Olympics is grateful for the support of the Essilor Vision Foundation in empowering Special Olympics Texas athletes to see the world better. In partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation and community partners, Special Olympics is proud to be global partners with Essilor International and the Essilor Vision Foundation in ensuring that all individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to high-quality vision care and eye health services”, said President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia David Evangelista. Essilor Vision Foundation estimates serving 60-65 athletes who fail their vision screening with a comprehensive vision exam.

Due to the high number of athletes and partners expected to attend the event, SOTX is still looking for volunteers. For more information contact Anna Loveless at aloveless@sotx.org.

To learn more about the events above, contact Dalton Hill, Associate Executive Director - North Region, at dhill@sotx.org, (817) 739-7629.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.