Special Olympics New Hampshire Celebrates 50 Years
The spark that became today’s Special Olympics New Hampshire movement, ignited at the first State Summer Games in 1970 where athletes from across New Hampshire came together at Phillips Exeter Academy. Five decades later, we return to our State Summer Games, now at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, to launch the Special Olympics New Hampshire 50th Anniversary.
We are gearing up for a year of exciting events that will celebrate the first 50 years of Special Olympics New Hampshire and launch the movement into the future. Check out the details below about all the ways you can join the celebration!
2019 State Summer Games
We will celebrate our 50th Anniversary at the event that started it all, the State Summer Games.
50th specific celebrations will include:
- A 50th Anniversary Opening Ceremonies on Friday, June 7th at Wildcat Stadium beginning with a parade of athletes at 7:15pm. This two-hour event is open to the public and will feature appearances by people and organizations that have shaped Special Olympics New Hampshire, performances by the NH Gay Men’s Chorus, the arrival of the Flame of Hope, competition under the lights and will wrap up with a fireworks display. This will be a night to remember!
- A 50th Anniversary commemorative plaque will be dedicated to all athletes who compete in Wildcat Stadium.
- We will unveil the 50th Anniversary Traveling Timeline which will be open for public viewing at the Victory Club located on the third floor of Wildcat Stadium on Saturday, June 8th from 8am to 12pm.
50th Anniversary Hearts of Gold Gala
Join us at the 50th Anniversary Hearts of Gold Gala on Saturday, October 5th at 5:30pm. Please visit the event page for more information.
50th Anniversary Traveling Timeline
The 50th Anniversary Traveling Timeline will debut at the 50th State Summer Games at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. The timeline will be a visual tour of Special Olympics New Hampshire during our first 50 years. After the State Summer Games, the traveling timeline will be available for display in businesses and at events for the next year. When the timeline is not traveling, it will remain on display at the Special Olympics New Hampshire office, please stop by and see it!
50th Anniversary Merchandise
Commemorative Special Olympics New Hampshire 50th Anniversary merchandise is available for purchase at our online store.
Sponsor the 50th Anniversary
We are looking for 50th Anniversary Sponsors! Various, customizable sponsorship packages are available. Support us as we celebrate five decades of life-changing work and look forward to a new world of unity, tolerance and respect. Please contact Carol Cray at CarolC@sonh.org or (603) 512-4666 for more information about sponsorship opportunities.