Locally Popular Sports

Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) has classified three sports as “locally popular”As a locally popular sport, the local program opts to start this sport strictly at the local level keeping the area director informed of participation.

Athlete participation forms are still required for all athletes.
It is suggested that a minimum of two coaches start this program (so that if your one coach moves away, the sport does not come to a screeching halt)
Applicable national governing body and/or Special Olympics, Inc. rules must be used.
Programs should follow the standard training season of an 8-week minimum.
Local programs are encouraged to contact the resources below, ask them to help provide demos/training, and to invite other local programs to compete locally.

Flag Football

Flag football is the newest locally popular sport offered by SONC. Flag football has long been a less physical alterative to the very popular sport of football. It allows people to play without the expense and rough play typically associated with football. It is a fun, flowing game that features passing, laterals, and “tackling” (pulling of the flags). It is played on a field 60 yards in length including the end zones. Teams of five go against each other trying to score as many touchdowns and extra points as possible.

Floor Hockey

While classified as a locally popular sport by SONC, floor hockey is an official Winter Sport offered by SOI. However, SONC has not assigned floor hockey an official season in the sport calendar, therefore it can be offered at any time of the year.

Sailing

SONC has offered sailing as a locally popular sport since 2004. Although no state-level events exist for sailing in North Carolina, programs are allowed to travel outside the state to participate in sailing regattas. The popular Special Olympics Southeast Sailing event is held annually in July and hosted by Special Olympics Mississippi.