Soaring for Success: Gander Prepares to Host 2025 Special Olympics NL Provincial Summer Games
From July 3 to 6, 2025, the town of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, will welcome over 400 athletes, coaches, and mission staff for the Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador (SONL) Provincial Summer Games. This multi-sport event will feature competitions in Athletics, Bocce, Golf, and Swimming, providing athletes with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to showcase their talents and determination.
Event Schedule and Venues
The Games will commence with the Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, July 3, at the Evangel Pentecostal Community Church, located at 130 Magee Road. Competitions will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5, at various venues across Gander:
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Athletics: Track near Gander Elementary School, 10 Penney Avenue
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Bocce: TBD
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Swimming: Joseph R. Smallwood Pool
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Golf: Gander Golf Club
The event will conclude with an awards presentation on Sunday, July 6, at the Steele Community Centre.
Pathway to National Competition
The 2025 Provincial Summer Games also serve as a qualifying event for athletes aiming to represent Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Athletes interested in this opportunity must be at least 13 years old as of January 1, 2025, and have been training in their chosen sport during the 2023–2024 season. They must also attend the qualifying events for their respective sports during the Provincial Summer Games.
Community Support and Volunteer Opportunities
The Town of Gander has demonstrated strong support for the Games by waiving facility fees for the use of the track, one ballfield for Bocce, and the Steele Community Centre, recognizing the significance of this event for the community and its participants.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Games. Those interested in contributing can sign up through the Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador website.
Join the Celebration
The Special Olympics NL Provincial Summer Games are free to attend, offering an excellent opportunity for families, friends, and community members to support the athletes and celebrate their achievements. As Gander prepares to host this inspiring event, the town embodies the spirit of inclusion, determination, and community pride.