$1.6M Raised for Special Olympics Expansion in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A fund drive has raised more than $1.6 million to help Special Olympics South Dakota expand its facility in Sioux Falls and introduce a new competition concept.

The Argus Leader newspaper reports the amount surpassed the $1 million goal for the summer drive endorsed by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The money will go toward a $1.9 million project to more than triple the space of the 6,000-square-foot building on the city's north side. Officials plan to add a commons area, walkway and gymnasium with two basketball courts.

Special Olympics President and CEO Darryl Nordquist says the expanded facility will help the nonprofit launch a concept called "unify sports," in which disabled people and people without disabilities take part in programs together and become teammates and friends.

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