The Rapid City Storm is a local delegation of Special Olympics South Dakota, providing year-round sports training and competition for people with disabilities. Through practices, tournaments, and leadership opportunities, athletes build physical fitness, confidence, and lasting connections within the community.
A Season of Growth in Action
The Rapid City Storm has carried strong energy through the winter season, with leadership development, competition, and community engagement all happening at once. Four athletes were selected for Athlete Fitness Captain Training, where they completed coursework designed to strengthen leadership skills and stepped into meaningful roles during practices. By helping lead warm-ups and cool-downs, they are setting the tone for teamwork and accountability across the delegation.
Basketball season brought four teams and more than 50 athletes, along with a skills team, to the area tournament on February 14. That same day, ten Storm cheerleaders participated in cheer camp and a demonstration, creating an atmosphere of encouragement that carried throughout the event. Soon after, seven athletes and two coaches participated in the Polar Plunge. Storm cheerleaders once again showed up in full force, rallying the crowd and cheering on every jumper. The momentum continued at Tip a Player on February 17 at Firehouse Brewery, where athletes partnered with Rush players and raised more than $1,000 to support the Storm and the Flame.
Looking Ahead to a Full Spring and Summer
As winter gives way to spring, the Storm is already preparing for a full competitive season. Registration is open for swim, track and field, and corn hole, with practices beginning the week of March 25 and registration closing March 9. Corn hole will serve as a demonstration sport this year, giving athletes and unified partners the opportunity to compete directly at the State Summer Games in May.
Area Track and Field will be held April 24 in Rapid City, followed by Area Swim on May 2 in Spearfish, leading into the State Summer Games May 14–16 in Spearfish. Each event builds toward the next, carrying the energy of practice into competition and bringing athletes together from across the region.
Community support will also play an important role this season. An upcoming two-week in-store fundraiser at SpartanNash (Family Fare) will give customers the opportunity to round up their purchases or donate at checkout, with 100% of funds benefiting local Special Olympics athletes. Dates will be announced soon.
Looking even further ahead, six Storm athletes and unified partners will travel to Minnesota July 20–26 to compete at the USA Games. Dylan Thomason and Brett Thomason will compete in bowling, Jackie Schofield and Jackie Smith in bocce ball, and Chris Bultena and David Tanner in softball — representing the Storm on a national stage after months of preparation and commitment.
The months ahead reflect steady growth, continued training, and the kind of opportunity that builds confidence long before the starting whistle blows.
Stay in Touch
To keep up with the latest Storm updates, competition results, and upcoming events, follow the Rapid City Storm on Facebook and check the events calendar regularly. As the season continues to unfold, those channels are the best way to stay connected and cheer on Storm athletes every step of the way. If you are interested in learning about how to become an athlete, unified partner, coach, or volunteer for the Rapid City Storm, contact the Head of Delegation at 605-343-4550.
