ESU hosts Special Athletics Track and Field Day on May 8
Emporia, KS (05/07/2026) — Emporia State will host the sixth annual Special Athletics Track and Field Day on Friday, May 8. The day begins at 9 a.m. with gates and registration opening at ESU's Welch Stadium. ESU students, faculty, staff and the community are all welcomed to cheer on the athletes.
The event is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 360 athletes planned to participate from 47 schools and organizations.
A celebration of the athletes starts at 9:30, followed by a group photo and the kickoff of events. This year's competitions include running and walking events, standing and running long jump, mini javelin, frisbee, softball/tennis throw and wheelchair events.
Attendees will find an area called The Pit Stop where they can play games, have their face painted, grab merch and engage with other activities provided by local organizations and vendors.
A staggered lunch for athletes, volunteers and support staff begins at 11 a.m. with the day wrapping by 2 p.m.
The track and field day is led by ESU Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Hannah Kipfer, who founded it in 2019 after learning no similar event existed in the Emporia area. Kipfer attended special athletics events in support of her brother in their Pennsylvania hometown and saw the opportunity to bring the impactful day to Emporia while also engaging her students at ESU.
This year, the event is supported by more than 200 volunteers, including ESU, K-State and Wichita State students and employees, community members, as well as 13 businesses and organizations. ESU's marching band will perform.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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