RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 19, 2025) – Rapid City leaders, donors and Special Olympics South Dakota representatives gathered Friday to celebrate the expansion of the city’s Bocce Complex with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The event, held at 12:15 p.m. at 215 Mount Rushmore Road, coincided with the Special Olympics South Dakota Fall Classic, which features the state bocce tournament. More than 700 Special Olympics athletes from across South Dakota are competing at the newly expanded facility.
Eight new bocce courts were added this summer, bringing the complex to full capacity for statewide events. The project was made possible through Rapid City’s Vision funds and private donors.
Speakers at the ceremony included Darryl Nordquist of Special Olympics South Dakota; Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun; Jack Lynass and Dr. Mark Harlow on behalf of the SOSD Rapid City Flame; and donors Rusty Wallace of the NASCAR Foundation and Rod Woodruff of the Buffalo Chip.
Organizers said the timing of the expansion and ribbon cutting highlights the statewide impact of the new courts. The facility is expected to serve athletes, families and volunteers from across the Black Hills and beyond for years to come.
