Special Olympics Missouri will hold its 2018 State Games in St. Joseph.

According to a news release, this is the first time a Special Olympics Missouri state event will be held in St. Joseph since 2013.

“We could not be more excited to return our State Games to St. Joseph for the next three years,” SOMO President/CEO Mark Musso said.

More than 2,300 Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) athletes, coaches and unified partners are anticipated to travel from across the state to compete in the State Indoor Games March 16-18 in St. Joseph. The event will be the first of a three year term for the Indoor Games, keeping them in St. Joseph through 2020.

The local venues that will be used for the St. Joseph State Indoor Games include: Belt Bowl, Southside Family Fun Center, Central High School, Bishop LeBlond High School, Lafayette High School, St. Joseph REC Center and Civic Arena.

The State Indoor Games are the largest of three signature state events Special Olympics Missouri holds in a year, and features athletes competing in bowling and basketball. The State Indoor Games had been held in Fort Leonard Wood and Waynesville/St. Robert area since 2015.

The CVB estimates that the State Indoor Games will bring close to $1 million in estimated economic impact to the St. Joseph community per year.

An estimated 1,000 volunteers will be needed for the actual running of the competition. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available including fundraising, meal planning, special event planning, setup and more. For more information on serving on the committee, volunteering or sponsorships, contact Susan Shaffer at [email protected] or call 573-635-1660.