Meet Athletics Athlete Sharron Simmons!

The history of Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) athletics dates back to 1970, as it was the first Special Olympics sport to arrive on the scene at the games held in Burlington, NC. Since that time, it has grown into the largest sport offered by SONC.

Rules and Resources

• SONC Athletics Rule Modifications
• SOI Official Sport Rules for Athletics
• USA Track & Field
• Special Olympics Quick Start Coaching Guide
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide
• Other SOI Coaching Resources

Events Offered

SONC offers competition in 26 different athletics events, ranging in distances from 10 meters to 1,500 meters, as well as multiple field events. This range of events allows athletes of all ability levels the opportunity to train and compete successully to the best of their abilities.

Developmental Events
10m/25m Assisted Walk
Tennis Ball Throw

Lead-Up & Wheelchair Events
25m/50m Dash
25m/50m Race Walk
10m/25m Wheelchair Races
100m/200m Wheelchair Races
30m Wheelchair Slalom
25m Wheelchair Obstacle
30m/50m Motorized Wheelchair Slalom
Standing Long Jump
Softball Throw (includes wheelchair athletes)
Wheelchair Shot Put

Traditional Events
100m/200m/400m Dash
100m/400m Race Walk
800m/1500m Run
Running Long Jump
Shot Put
Pentathlon
4 x 100 Relay

Competition Opportunities

Athletics qualifiers are designed to help division (a competitive grouping by age, gender and ability) athletes for state-level events. Attendance at an athletics qualifier is mandatory for athletes in order to advance to state-level competition. Qualifiers for athletics take place typically in April.

SONC Summer Games is the state-level competition featuring athletics and takes place in Raleigh typically the first weekend in June.

The Penn Relays is the longest uninterrupted collegiate track meet in the country held every April at the University of Pennslyvania. There are two events in which a limited number of Special Olympics athletes are allowed to compete – the 100 meter dash and the 4×100 relay. If you are interested in taking athletes to the Penn Relays, please contact Andrea Stamm.

Athletics Calendar

All forms must be submitted by the local program coordinator.