This summer, the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games celebrates its 50th anniversary of supporting and empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities, as well as the 32nd consecutive year of partnering with Penn State to host the games on the University Park campus.
Special Olympics Rich Mauti and athlete
Penn State first partnered with Special Olympics Pennsylvania in 1987 to host the annual Summer Games on the University Park campus. In this undated photo from the University Archives, Rich Mauti, a former Nittany Lion and member of both the New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins, celebrates with a Special Olympics athlete.
Special Olympics 1990 archival photo
In this photo from the University Archives, athlete Thomasina Justice, 17, clears the bar in the women's high jump event on June 9, 1990 — a performance that earned her a gold medal.
Special Olympics Flame of Hope
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games begin each year with the ceremonial lighting of the Flame of Hope, which burns throughout the events until the closing ceremony.
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Each year, the Flame of Hope is carried over 150 miles over three days by law enforcement volunteers from Pittsburgh to University Park in the annual "Be a Fan" Torch Run. The law enforcement volunteers and one lucky athlete work together to light to torch and officially open the Summer Games.
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The opening ceremonies always boast a joyous and festive atmosphere. In this photo from the 2016 games, athletes and coaches cheer as the Flame of Hope is lit and the games officially begin.
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Swimming and aquatic events are among the sports offered at the games. In this 2017 photo, athletes compete in a backstroke preliminary race on the first day of competition.
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Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity to compete in multiple sports, including equestrian events. At the 2011 Summer Games, Bucks County athlete Robert Jones was one of the athletes to compete atop his horse in the equestrian trail event.
2018 Special Olympics PA-Softball
Brandon Krekeler of Bethlehem, PA was one of more than 2,000 athletes from across Pennsylvania to compete in the 2018 Summer Games, where he competed at softball.
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Every year, members of the Penn State community help make the Summer Games a memorable experience for the athletes. In this 2013 photo, Penn State Lady Lions assistant coach Itoro Coleman helps a young athlete practice his dribbling.
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Penn State football players often join the Special Olympics Summer Games to encourage and support the athletes competing. Nittany Lions Saquon Barkley, left, and Tom Devenney were among the Penn State football players to participate in the 2016 Summer Games.
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According to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, the games help teach athletes important life skills, make friends, and build their self-confidence and self-esteem, all of which are a key goal of the events. This is reflected in the Special Olympics athelete's oath: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
