competitive sports

Sports

A tried-and-true method of introducing individuals with intellectual disabilities to the benefits of sports. Many athletes and parents are comforted to know this is a place just for them.  

sports

A place for you to be you

Athletic training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities is in our DNA. While Unified Sports is on the rise, we are still here for Special Olympics Athletes who want to compete in the traditional sports model, built specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

With high-quality coaching, training, and competitions, Special Olympics sports offer a lifetime of activity and social engagement for the disability community. Show the world what you have in team and individual sports from athletics to volleyball!  

6,552

Athletes Competing in Traditional Special Olympics Sports

23

Sports Available

4

Sports Seasons

116

Traditional Sports Competitions Annually

sports

Resources and Stories

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Introducing Content Squad Athlete Leader Amanda Church

Do think you could swim 25 yards while carrying the weight of two metal rods? Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall Fame athlete Amanda Church does just that every time she jumps in the pool.

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First-time bowler takes home the Gold at the Traditional State Tournament

Sara Lynn is Special Olympics Massachusetts athlete from Living Independently Forever Inc. Cape Cod (LIFE) who participated in bowling for the very first time this year; but that is not all that Sara did.

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First-time swimmer takes home the Bronze at Bridgewater State Qualifier

First-time Living Independently Forever (LIFE) Special Olympics athlete swimmer Matt Oremland competed in his first Special Olympics Swimming Qualifier at Bridgewater State University.

sports

Frequently Asked Sports Questions

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org

What is the difference between Traditional Special Olympics Sports and Unified Sports?
What sports are offered in the traditional Special Olympics Sports model?
Can athletes still compete at the highest level in Traditional Special Olympics Sports?
get involved as an athlete

Athletes in Action