Every two years, thousands of Special Olympics athletes from six continents come together to showcase their athletic skills and bring the spirit of the Special Olympics organization to life.  Alternating between Summer and Winter Games, the Special Olympics World Games feature intense athletic competition and inspiring performances from talented Special Olympics athletes from across the globe.  

The next World Winter Games will be held in Pyeong Chang, Korea January 26 through February 6, 2013.  Individuals interested in serving as officials at the World Winter Games in Korea can now download an application and apply up until January 3, 2012.

This page is currently filled with highlights and photos from the most recent World Games held in Athens, Greece.   and the next World Summer Games location for 2015 has just been announced as Los Angeles, California. 

Special Olympics North Carolina uses the advancement criteria set forth by Special Olympics, Inc. to select the athletes who will be a part of Team USA.  Gold medal winners from all ability level divisions are put into a random drawing in order to be selected for participation in the Games.

2011 World Summer Games -Team USA -NC Photos

Opening Ceremonies for Team USA

2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games Results
Monica Hernandez – Gymnastics
All- around – Gold medal
Beam – Gold medal
Uneven bars – Silver medal
Vault – Silver medal
Floor – Bronze medal

Brandon Crawford – Bowling
Doubles – Gold medal
Singles – Silver medal
Team – 6th place ribbon

Heather Pardue – Bowling
Singles - Silver medal

Amanda Bass – Athletics
3kg Shotput – Gold medal
100m Run- Bronze medal
4 x 100m Relay- Bronze medal

Andy Delafield – Athletics
3000M Run – Bronze medal
4 x400 m Relay- Bronze medal
5,000 m Run- 5th place ribbon