Special Olympics Summer Games Begin at UW-Whitewater and Palmyra

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Palmyra-Eagle High School are hosting the 2026 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games from June 4 to June 6, bringing athletes from across the state to compete in cornhole, track and field, powerlifting, and other events. The games begin with the Parade of Athletes during the Opening Ceremony at Perkins Stadium on the UW-Whitewater campus at 6:30 p.m. on June 4. Organizers say the torch lighting and athlete parade create a festive start to the three-day competition, giving athletes a chance to be welcomed by fans and spectators in the stands.
Track and field events are taking place at Palmyra-Eagle High School, located at 123 Burr Oak Street, instead of UW-Whitewater’s Rex Foster Track. The relocation is temporary because the university track is unavailable this year due to construction. Special Olympics Wisconsin has also posted a FAQ sheet explaining how the new venue affects the games and where events will be held.
Volunteers are still needed to support the Summer Games, with hundreds of people required to help run competitions, distribute awards, and assist with event logistics. Special Olympics Wisconsin says interested volunteers can still sign up to take part. Attendance is free, and organizers are encouraging the public to come out and cheer for the athletes as they compete. A full schedule of events is available on the Special Olympics Wisconsin website.




