Norristown, PA – May 7, 2025) - Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) is thrilled to announce it will host the inaugural 2025 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championship August 22-24, 2025, at In the Net, Flightpath Sports Park in Palmyra, PA. SOPA will hold a press conference and celebration on Friday, May 16, 2025, at In the Net to make this announcement alongside Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority.  


The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championships will welcome more than 400 athletes, Unified partners and coaches from across the state to compete in softball, Unified softball and individual skills. This event is proudly supported by the Dauphin County Tourism Grant program. 


"We are very excited to welcome the 2025 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championships to our region," says Gregg Cook, Executive Director of Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority. "We think the athletes will enjoy not only the competition and camaraderie of the event, but also the fun experiences off the field, like Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World and all the other diverse attractions we have to offer." 


WHAT: A press conference announcing that the 2025 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championship will be held in Palmyra in August for the first time. This championship will bring over 400 athletes from across the state to compete for the gold.  

WHEN/WHERE:   Friday, May 16 at In the Net, Flightpath Sports Park (798 Airport Rd, Palmyra, PA 17078) 

•    9:30 a.m. – Doors open; interview availability
•    10:00 a.m. – Light Breakfast
•    11:00 a.m. – Press conference begins
•    11:30 a.m.  – Program concludes, interview availability

WHO: Special Olympics staff, athletes and supporters will come together to announce Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority as the host for the 2025 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championship. Press conference speakers include: 

•    Matt Aaron, President and CEO, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
•    Gregg Cook, Executive Director, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority
•    Jen Bottomley, Adams County Softball Athlete, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
•    Joe Mancini, Abound Health Representative
•    David Kolojechick, State Umpire-in-Chief, USA Softball

•    Andrew Fee, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Special Olympics Pennsylvania
•    Jen Bottomley, Adams County Softball Athlete, Special Olympics Pennsylvania

WHY: Special Olympics will welcome more than 400 Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes and Unified partners from August 22-24, 2025, for the 2025 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championship. Throughout this championship, SOPA aims to unite communities and is excited to showcase the talent and determination of hundreds of athletes. SOPA looks forward to seeing you at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Softball Championship press conference on Friday, May 16.   


Media Contact:  Larkin Richards, 610.630.9480, ext. 232, lrichards@specialolympicspa.org 
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania 
Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to more than 15,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.  For more information about how you can join “The Inclusion Revolution,” visit  www.specialolympicspa.org.