By Jennifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
Special Olympics Kentucky returns to Eastern Kentucky University this weekend for the State Summer Games. More than 1,000 athletes from across the Commonwealth will gather in Richmond to compete in track and field, bocce, rhythmic gymnastics, and soccer during EKU’s 31st consecutive year hosting the event.
The State Summer Games are among the largest annual events organized by Special Olympics Kentucky, bringing together athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the state for Olympic-style competition, celebration, and community. The games highlight athletic achievement while promoting inclusion, determination, and opportunity.
Several Northern Kentucky organizations will be represented during this year’s festivities.
The Kenton County Police Department is participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a long-standing tradition that raises awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes. Officer Thomas Britton’s patrol vehicle has been outfitted with custom graphics by Street Art Kustoms to help promote the event.
On June 3, officers and Special Olympians will carry the Flame of Hope from KCPD Headquarters to Simon Kenton High School and back during a local leg of the torch run. The department says it is proud to support Kentucky’s athletes and celebrate the power of inclusion, perseverance, and community.
The final leg of the Torch Run begins in Frankfort on June 5, when law enforcement officers from across Kentucky will escort the Flame of Hope to Richmond for the opening ceremonies.
Those ceremonies will introduce athletes, including members of Team Kentucky who will represent the Commonwealth at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Attendees will also be treated to a performance by Northern Kentucky’s Heart and Sole Steppers Double Dutch jump rope team from Elsmere.
For the Heart and Sole Steppers, the invitation to perform at the opening ceremonies is both an honor and an opportunity. Coach Melissa Heltman said the group hopes to use the statewide stage to spread awareness of jump rope as a competitive sport and encourage others to give it a try.
The team has spent the last five months developing new routines that feature multiple rope styles, challenging skills, and high-energy choreography set to an uplifting soundtrack. Heltman said spectators can expect an exciting performance designed to energize the crowd and celebrate the athletes gathered for the games.
The connection between the Special Olympics athletes and the Heart and Sole Steppers extends beyond athletic competition. Heltman noted that jump rope develops strength, agility, endurance, and coordination while also providing therapeutic benefits through the mental focus required to learn new skills. Over the team’s 11-year history, members with a variety of abilities and challenges have found success through perseverance and determination.
“We teach our team members to lean into their strengths while persevering through challenges,” Heltman said. “‘Never say CAN’T, you just haven’t done it yet,’ is our team’s motto.”
That message aligns closely with the spirit of the State Summer Games, where athletes strive to reach personal goals while inspiring others through their achievements.
As competitors, families, volunteers, and spectators gather in Richmond this weekend, Heltman hopes everyone remembers that each person has unique gifts and potential worth celebrating.
“We would like to encourage everyone to actively pursue their goals to reach their own potential,” she said. “God created each of us as unique individuals worth celebrating.”
The State Summer Games opening ceremonies begin June 5, kicking off a weekend dedicated to athletic achievement, inclusion, and the celebration of Kentucky’s Special Olympics athletes.