Special Olympics Kansas is set to bring its State Basketball and Cheerleading Championships to Hays, Kansas, from March 18 to 20, 2027, offering a three‑day showcase of competition, camaraderie and celebration.
The championships will welcome roughly 1,200 athletes and 200 coaches, who will compete in individual basketball skills, team basketball matches and cheerleading routines, highlighting the diverse talents of participants with intellectual disabilities.
Competitions will be staged across twelve gymnasiums throughout the city, including the modern facilities at Fort Hays State University and the historic halls of Hays High School, ensuring ample space for the bustling schedule of events.
Opening Ceremonies will kick off the festivities, followed by an athletes' banquet and a community dance, creating a full weekend of activities that draw families, volunteers and local supporters together.
A Community United
Local organizers say Hays has a longstanding tradition of championing Special Olympics Kansas, and the upcoming championships will build on that legacy by reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Beyond the games, the event underscores the organization’s broader mission to promote healthy lifestyles, leadership development and lifelong friendships, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural background.
Participants and coaches alike cite the transformative power of sport, noting that teamwork, decision‑making, perseverance and sportsmanship are lessons that extend far beyond the court or the sidelines.