Families & Supporters Program

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The 11th Special Olympics National Games not only caters for its athletes but also includes events for families and supporters of the athletes to relax together, meet new people or see new venues while in town. The Special Olympics family events are a way of growing your support network or catching up with old friends from previous Games. The program caters for all our family members and includes a Welcome function, Cheese and wine tasting evening, a siblings event and a Family fun day at Adelaide Zoo.

We want to thank our partner, Orana who have supported the program to provide these events to you at highly reduced rates. We invite all registered family members to join us at the Families hub during the Games to escape the heat and sit down for a cup of coffee. Additional benefits include the support from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure who will provide all our registered family members with free public transportation. Each registered family will also receive a copy of the Entertainment Book which allows amazing discounts to all major retailers, restaurants and fast food outlets in South Australia. We have also created a special Gold package that will provide an additional total discount of over $40 for those who purchase the gold package. We look forward to hosting you in Adelaide.

Please note: Tickets for family and supporter events have now closed. Tickets for the Opening & Closing Ceremonies are available from Ticketmaster here and at the door prior to each event.

Ticket Collection

There are two ticket collection centres:

  • Airport Plaza welcome marquee
  • Families and Supporters hub, Adelaide Shores Reserve, West Beach

Collection centres will be open between 10:00am and 5:00pm Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April and from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Monday 16 April.

Those who registered as a Family & Supporter will have nominated a collection venue. If you haven’t indicated where you would like to collect tickets, they will be at the Families Hub for collection.

All tickets not collected from the hub or the airport by 1:00pm on Monday 16 April will be taken to the Titanium Security Arena for collection from 2:30pm.

Shuttle Bus

Shuttle services will run  (Subject to time and route changes):

Airport to Families and Supporters Hub (EVERY HALF HOUR)  
(Sunday 15 April 09:00 – 06:00pm and Monday 16 April 08:00 – 02:00pm)

Families and Supporters Hub to Titanium (Opening and Closing)
02:30pm & 03:00pm

Equestrian, Tennis, Tenpin Bowling (Tuesday to Friday) – return shuttle  
Departing the hub at 08:00am, 11:00am & 03:00pm

Basketball, Bocce, Athletics (Tuesday to Friday) (return Shuttle)
Departing the hub at 08:00am, 11:00am, 03:00pm

Swimming and Gymnastics  (Return Shuttle)
Departing the hub at 08:30am, 11:00am, 03:00pm

*Shuttles have been arranged based on the number of Shuttle passes purchased before 1 April 2018. No ‘on the day’ bookings can be accepted.

**Shuttles to the various events will be arranged based on the number of registrations for that event. It is important to indicate, even if you have purchased a shuttle pass, to which events you require a shuttle.


Opening Ceremony

Adult - $25
Concession or child (under 16) - $20

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The Opening Ceremony is a celebration of the start of the National Games and combines formalities with exciting entertainment. Come join us for a two-hour inspiring South Australian welcome as we herald the start of our 2018 National Games. Together with SA Power Networks we will light up Adelaide.

Creatures of our Land

They are cheering for me – and cheer we will!

The rumblings of the drums will welcome the athletes as they enter the stadium. Marching into the stadium is an enormous reward for the athletes, as they are greeted by you, their fans. The formalities of any Special Olympics will be ever present with Opening of the Games including the arrival of the Torch Relay.

Inspired by the 2018 logo, the opening ceremony production is a delight for the senses which has been created to inspire the athletes and all those in the arena.

The lights go down as the new dawn awaits us! The 14 metre screen along with the LED super screens will carry the opening animation awakening the creatures of the deep blue sea! This animation along with our rhythmic gymnasts will tell the story of these creatures bringing water and life to the animals of the sunburnt land. Joined by a number of local dance troupes, and an array of large lantern creatures the athletes and audience will be taken on an inspirational journey bringing energy to their performances of the week ahead.

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are available from Ticketmaster here and at the door prior to the event.

Date: Monday 16 April 2018

Venue: Titanium Security Arena, 44a Crittenden Road, Findon, 5023

Time: 04:00pm – 06:00pm (Doors open at 03:00pm)

Entry: On presentation of Opening Ceremony ticket

Transportation: Shuttle service available from Families Hub (require a shuttle pass)

Parking: Parking available from the venue at $10 per vehicle

*Refreshments and National Games merchandise available for purchase at the Arena


Closing Ceremony

Adult - $25
Concession or Child (under 16) - $20

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Celebrate the success of our Special Olympics’ athletes at the Closing Ceremony of our National Games. Review the week’s highlights, rejoice in the highs our athletes have achieved as individuals and teams and watch as the Games’ flame is extinguished and the next host city revealed.

Then put on your best dancing shoes as we light up the dance-floor for a great carnival hosted by City of Charles Sturt and Adelaide Shores.

Disco Done Differently

With the races run and won, with the games played, competitions completed, friendships made – everywhere you look there are success stories to tell. Arriving at the Special Olympics is an achievement and a reward for the hard work done by so many. For all, the athletes, the carers, the volunteers, the families and the organisers – it’s time to dance like no-one is watching!

The athletes again will join us in the stadium and then it’s time to get this party started! Joined by some of South Australia’s very own performers to light up the stage, the event celebration will finish with confetti canons, a DJ and an array of disco balls like you have never seen before!

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are available from Ticketmaster here and at the door prior to the event.

Date: Friday 20 April 2018

Venue: Titanium Security Arena, 44a Crittenden Road, Findon, 5023

Time: 04:00pm – 05:30pm (Doors open at 03:00pm)

Entry: On presentation of Closing Ceremony ticket

Transportation: Shuttle service available from Families Hub (require a shuttle pass)

Parking: Parking available from the venue at $10 per vehicle

*Refreshments and National Games merchandise available for purchase at the Arena

**The Carnival is open to all athletes, families and supporters. Food and beverage available for purchase from the variety of catering trucks