450 teams compete in Fall Classic for South Dakota Special Olympics

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Organizers with Special Olympics South Dakota are celebrating a record-breaking weekend after hosting the annual Fall Classic in Rapid City.

Athletes from across the state gathered at the newly dedicated Monica Burgess Bocce Ball Complex, drawing an unprecedented number of competitors across both the youth “Flame” division and the adult “Storm” league.

Tournament officials confirmed the weekend marked the largest participation numbers the tournament has ever seen.

“It was a record turnout, they had 450 teams come and play for bocce this year,” said Yvette Lassegard the Sports Director for Rapid City Flame. “So that was a fantastic turnout for the weekend.”

Organizers attribute the surge in participation to bocce ball’s accessibility, which allows athletes of all skill and mobility levels to compete on an equal playing field.

The tournament also served as the debut for the facility’s new courts, funded in part by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace’s annual charity ride in Sturgis. During opening ceremonies, the complex was officially dedicated in honor of Monica Burgess, a foundational leader and longtime advocate who helped pioneer and expand Special Olympics programming throughout South Dakota before her passing earlier this summer.

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