ways to play

Competitive Sports

Competition leads to growth and the athletes are always looking to build their skills to meet and exceed their opponents. Competitive sports programming is available throughout Massachusetts in 23 sports at the local, regional and state level. Whether training to run the 100m dash or helping your basketball team win the league, you will find high quality competition with Special Olympics.

competitive sports

Put me in coach!

Sign up to join a local team or individual sport. Special Olympics Massachusetts has teams for every age and skill level. Everyone is placed in a division that provides quality, evenly matched competition. To prepare for game day, local coaches run training sessions throughout the season building sport-based skills, team camaraderie, and a local social network for athletes, unified partners, and their families.

All coaches have access to training including sport-specific skills, working with athletes with disabilities and autism, concussion prevention and awareness, and Unified sports.   

7,605

Athletes who competed last year

2,182

Unified Partners who competed last year

1,382

Coaches in Massachusetts

Award Medal

798

Annual competitions

Ways To Play

From dancing to walking clubs and individual skills instruction on a variety of specific sports - there’s an opportunity for every age and ability, all year long!

Competition leads to growth and the athletes are always looking to build their skills to meet and exceed their opponents. Competitive sports programming is available throughout Massachusetts in 23 sports at the local, regional and state level. Whether training to run the 100m dash or helping your basketball team win the league, you will find high quality competition with Special Olympics.

A group of friends cheering for their favorite team, with huge smiles on their faces and arms raised high in celebration. They are both wearing matching team jerseys and seem to be in the midst of an exciting game.Austria special olympics world winter games 2017

At Special Olympics Massachusetts, athletes train and compete through local practices and competitions to qualify for sectional and statewide events. Athletes must be at least eight years old to participate in local programs and are required to train for eight weeks to qualify for statewide events. Children under the age of eight can participate in the YOUNG ATHLETES® PROGRAM.

Get involved with Special Olympics today
Get involved today!
sports

Resources and Stories

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How Special Olympics MA is Riding the Pickleball Wave to Enhance Skills and Community

Pickleball is capturing hearts everywhere, including at Special Olympics Massachusetts. It helps athletes with intellectual disabilities improve skills and connect with others, enhancing fun and inclusion year-round.

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How Staying Hydrated Can Supercharge Your Athletic Performance

Staying hydrated is crucial for athletes of all abilities, even as the temperatures start to cool down. Whether you’re wrapping up summer sports or training for the fall season, it’s important for Special Olympics athletes to hydrated.

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Pro Sports Preview: 2024 PGA Championship

Special Olympics Massachusetts Golfer, Tyler Lagasse breaks down the field and previews the 2024 edition of the PGA Championship. Learn a bit of history and get a sense for what storylines may play out on the course.

The Traditional Sports offered at Special Olympics Massachusetts

Basketball

Bocce

Bowling

Cornhole

Cycling

Equestrian

Figure Skating

Flag Football

Floor Hockey

Golf

Gymnastics

Powerlifting

Roller Skating

Sailing

Skiing

Snowboarding

Soccer

Softball

Speed Skating

Swimming

Tennis

Track & Field

Volleyball

See What Sports Are Recruiting Near You
Explore Sports Offerings
unified Sports

Frequently Asked Competitive Sports Questions

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at [email protected]

What are Special Olympics Competitive Sports?
How do you make the competition fair and fun?
How much does it cost to participate in competitive sports?
When is Summer Games?
Are Competitive Sports adaptive?
Can my child without an intellectual disability participate in competitive sports?
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