Special Olympics Montana is celebrating 50 years of courage, sharing joy, and athleticism.
The 2020 Summer Games will one for the books as athletes will get to share their abilities with the Great Falls community.
"Special Olympics Montana builds inclusive communities so for our athletes it's the opportunity to be a part of it, to be engaged in their community," said CEO Rhonda McCarty during a news conference on Tuesday.
This is the third and final year the games will be hosted in Great Falls until 2030, so organizers wanted to start the opening ceremonies with a bang.
They are teaming up with the Downtown Great Falls Association to host a parade of athletes, where the athlete teams will march down Central Avenue.
McCarty explained, “They will have the best time because other folks engage them and cheer them on and celebrate their successes and it's all about being together.”
Other events will include the Olympic Village, a dance and carnival for athletes and teams, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, presentations by Global Messengers, and Great Falls Public Schools “Adopt A Team" program.
The games will be held at several locations across Great Falls from May 12 through May 15, and organizers estimate about 1,000 athletes will participate. Locations include Montana ExpoPark, Hickory Swing Golf Course, University of Providence, and Centene Stadium.
To keep up with events, click here to visit the Special Olympics website .
