5 Ways Special Olympics New Hampshire Is Changing Lives In 2025: Events, Athletes, And Impact
The Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) community is gearing up for one of its most impactful years yet, with a packed calendar of competitive events and a renewed focus on athlete health and leadership throughout 2025. This year marks a significant milestone, not only with the return of major state competitions but also with New Hampshire athletes representing the USA on the global stage.
From the snowy slopes of Waterville Valley to the track at the University of New Hampshire, SONH continues its mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The focus for December 21, 2025, is on celebrating the incredible achievements of its athletes and highlighting the essential programs that foster inclusion, health, and dignity across the Granite State.
The Inspiring Journey of Scott McCullough: New Hampshire's World Games Athlete
Every four years, the Special Olympics World Games bring together elite athletes from around the globe. In 2025, one of New Hampshire's own will be representing the United States, showcasing the dedication and talent cultivated right here in the Granite State.
Scott McCullough, a 48-year-old athlete from Nashua, New Hampshire, has been selected to join the Special Olympics USA delegation for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Torino, Italy. His journey is a powerful testament to the opportunities provided by SONH.
- Name: Scott McCullough
- Age: 48
- Hometown: Nashua, New Hampshire
- Role: Athlete, Special Olympics USA Delegation
- Sport: Snowshoeing
- Event: 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games
- Location: Torino, Italy
- SONH History: Trained in a variety of sports with Special Olympics New Hampshire long before excelling in snowshoeing.
McCullough's participation, alongside a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) representative from New Hampshire, solidifies SONH's presence on the international stage and inspires the thousands of local athletes who dream of competition.
The 2025 Special Olympics New Hampshire Calendar: Key Dates and Events
The year 2025 is filled with high-profile events that serve as the competitive and celebratory backbone of the organization. These games are a culmination of year-round training, offering athletes a chance to compete in a variety of Olympic-type sports.
The State Winter Games: March 3–5, 2025
The annual State Winter Games are a highlight of the year, bringing together athletes from across New Hampshire to compete in popular winter sports.
- Location: Waterville Valley Resort
- Date: Monday, March 3 – Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Sports Featured: Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing.
The State Summer Games: June 2025
The State Summer Games are the largest event on the SONH calendar, featuring hundreds of athletes and volunteers in a multi-day competition.
- Location: University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Durham, NH
- Date: Early June 2025 (e.g., June 2, 2025)
- Scale: More than 600 Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes participate.
- Pre-Event: The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for SONH takes place just before the games, with runners carrying the Flame of Hope to the State House.
Other Major 2025 Events
SONH hosts numerous events throughout the year to celebrate athletes and raise critical funds for its programs.
- Cornhole Classic & Champions Together Breakfast: A key event that took place in November 2025, highlighting the community's support.
- Fundraising Galas: Tickets for various events, often starting at $20, go on sale in late September, with all proceeds benefiting SONH athletes.
Beyond the Podium: The Core Programs Driving SONH's Impact
Special Olympics New Hampshire is far more than just a sports organization; it is a comprehensive movement focused on the holistic well-being and inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organization provides training and competition opportunities in 17 Olympic-type sports, but its impact extends deeply into health, education, and community leadership.
1. The Healthy Athletes Program
Addressing the significant health disparities faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities is a core pillar of SONH’s mission. The Healthy Athletes program offers free health services and information to athletes during competitions and events.
These screenings, often conducted by volunteer healthcare professionals and students, help identify and treat otherwise unaddressed health issues. The program provides vital health screenings in areas such as vision, dental care, and physical fitness, ensuring athletes are healthy both on and off the field.
2. Unified Sports®
Unified Sports is a powerful initiative that pairs individuals with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics athletes) with individuals without intellectual disabilities (Unified Partners) on the same team. This program fosters social inclusion and breaks down barriers in schools and communities across New Hampshire.
It creates genuine friendships and understanding by offering both competitive and non-competitive opportunities. Unified Sports is often integrated into school-based programs, promoting a culture of respect and acceptance among students.
3. Athlete Leadership and Advocacy
SONH is dedicated to empowering its athletes to take on leadership roles within the organization and the wider community. The Athlete Leadership program trains athletes to serve as advocates, coaches, board members, and spokespeople.
By giving athletes a voice and a platform, SONH ensures that its programs are athlete-centered and that the message of inclusion is delivered by those who live it every day.
4. Comprehensive Sports Offerings
To provide year-round engagement, SONH offers a diverse range of 17 sports, ensuring every athlete can find an activity they love.
Key sports offered by local programs include:
- Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding
- Athletics (Track and Field)
- Basketball & Flag Football
- Bocce & Cornhole
- Bowling (Candlepin & Ten Pin)
- Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Equestrian & Golf
- Powerlifting & Gymnastics
- Soccer, Softball, Swimming, and Tennis
Supporting the SONH Mission: How to Get Involved
The success of the 2025 events and programs relies heavily on community support, including volunteers and financial contributions. Individuals can make an immediate impact through donations, which can be one-time or small monthly contributions.
For major contributors, the Granite Circle Society recognizes donors who contribute gifts of $1,000 or more, fueling the organization's mission for a brighter future. Whether through volunteering at an event like the State Summer Games or supporting a fundraiser, every action helps Special Olympics New Hampshire continue to provide life-changing opportunities for its athletes.
Detail Author:
- Name : Alivia Green II
- Username : daphne12
- Email : yschneider@cruickshank.com
- Birthdate : 1990-04-25
- Address : 823 Major Spur Apt. 464 Monafort, NV 70261-3667
- Phone : 620-845-3612
- Company : Wuckert, Gislason and Greenfelder
- Job : Lodging Manager
- Bio : Ducimus exercitationem ut magnam impedit et. Facilis qui est omnis eos. Reiciendis totam quidem et odio eveniet et. Nihil officiis libero dolores aut numquam ut.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jmoore
- username : jmoore
- bio : Dolor ad eaque ut. Molestiae officia voluptas pariatur. Laudantium minima ea et et est dolorum sunt est.
- followers : 1772
- following : 1200
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/jacinthe_official
- username : jacinthe_official
- bio : Consequuntur nam enim et.
- followers : 5808
- following : 1566
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/jacinthe_id
- username : jacinthe_id
- bio : Laboriosam corporis autem odio et voluptas ex ipsum. Omnis possimus non cumque cumque.
- followers : 4692
- following : 741
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/jacinthe.moore
- username : jacinthe.moore
- bio : Voluptate voluptas corrupti possimus eligendi amet necessitatibus commodi.
- followers : 3276
- following : 2213
