Our Sports

Special Olympics 2026 Events

Special Olympics offers a variety of Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. This page presents coaching guides, rules, quick-start guides and more.

Croquet

October 2026 (Camp Shelby)

Flag Football

November 2026

Delivering lasting impact

We serve

Special Olympics serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. The organization creates opportunities for these athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other athletes, and the community.

We work

Special Olympics operates in 18 Areas, making it one of the largest state organizations serving people with intellectual disabilities. The organization works in local communities, schools, and sports venues statewide, bringing together athletes, volunteers, coaches, and families to create inclusive sporting events and training programs.

2026 ESPN Round Robin

Deadline for team entry: January 26, 2026 (10 players per team max; entry form attached)

Team must have equal parts athlete and partner (50/50) or 60/40 athlete ratio

Athlete age requirement (14-21), partner age requirement (14-18)

Each team is required to have a minimum of 6 practices before the competition date. Practice dates must be reported to the state office for tracking purposes.

 

U.S. Athlete registration forms must be completed for each participant. (only applies to those who have not completed one)

I have attached the Special Olympics basketball rules, as well as the athlete registration form, for your review. ALL coaches must be Special Olympics certified!! There will be additional communication regarding this event. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Give now & support a champion