Special Olympics Sports Offered

Special Olympics North Carolina offers training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports. Competition is offered in traditional and Unified Sports. Traditional sports involve athletes with intellectual disabilities only, while Unified Sports pairs a Special Olympics athlete with a partner of similiar ability level.

Bocce, cycling, golf, roller skating, soccer and tennis are offered at Fall Games. Winter sports competition is offered in Alpine skiing, figure skating, floor hockey and speed skating. Aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball and volleyball are offered at Summer Games. SONC also offers a stand-alone Basketball & Cheerleading Championship. Bowling, equestrian and floor hockey are offered at the Midsummer Tournament.

Children and adults ages 8 and older with intellectual disabilities can participate in Special Olympics.(Eligibility Guidelines) Special Olympics is Free to participating athletes. Athletes receive the benefits from participating in sports but also the opportunity to train as a coach, official or public speaker through the Athlete Leadership Programs, which has proven valuable for social development and increased self-esteem.

Interested in participating as an athlete, coach or volunteer, there is a place of you at Special Olympics North Carolina!
Click here to submit an online athlete application, coach application!