August 17-20, 2017 | Bismarck-Mandan, ND

About the Event



More than 400 athletes, comprising 25 traditional and Unified Sports teams from across the United States and Canada will converge on the Bismarck, North Dakota area for the 2017 Special Olympics North America Softball Championship. The Softball Championship marks the first time Special Olympics North Dakota has ever hosted an international event, and it serves as a rare opportunity where teams from all across the United States and Canada will come together to compete in the sport of softball.

Competition will begin Friday, August 18 with the medal rounds concluding on Sunday, August 20. Games will take place from approximately 8:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. each day. All games, medal ceremonies and other activities will take place at Clem Kelley Softball Complex (517 W. Arbor Ave., Bismarck, ND).

The event will kick off on Friday, August 18 with a Walk of Champions, followed by Pool Play games, and the Opening Ceremony to be held at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark (303 W. Front Ave., Bismarck, ND). The Opening Ceremony will include a Parade of Athletes, a Fireworks display, and a special performance by local band Tigirlily (in their last local performance before they move to Nashville)!

All competitions and the Opening Ceremony are free and open to the public.

Click here to download the Softball Championship 2017 Official Handbook.
 


VOLUNTEER OR CHEER: Special Olympics is inviting everyone to volunteer to help or be part of the “fans in the stands” to witness great softball and cheer on the teams.

Key Locations

  • Clem Kelley Softball Complex, 517 W. Arbor Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504
  • Municipal Ballpark, 303 W. Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504
  • Bismarck Moose Lodge, 312 N 20th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
  • Mandan Moose Lodge, 111 11th Ave NE, Mandan, ND 58554
  • Ramada Hotel, 1400 East Interchange Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501

Questions regarding participating teams/delegations from Special Olympics Programs should be directed to Craig Pippert, SONA. Questions regarding participating teams from families, fans and players should be directed to your state/provincial Special Olympics Program.

The Softball Championship is made possible due to the generosity of our sponsors, including Moose International, USA Softball, Coca-Cola, Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Bismarck Parks & Recreation District, and the City of Bismarck, along with the many local volunteers who are helping to support the event.


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