The mission of Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of well-coached Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Massachusetts also provides athletes with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, express courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics Athletes, and the community.
Purpose and Benefits
Through successful experiences in sports, SOMA athletes gain confidence and build positive self-images, which go with them into their homes, classrooms, jobs, and communities.
Programs and Organization
Special Olympics was chartered by the Governor in 1971 to meet the needs of citizens with intellectual disabilities throughout the state of Massachusetts. SOMA is organized into three balanced levels: Local, Sectional, and State.
The Local level includes programs participating in sports training and competition intra-area.
The Sectional level is comprised of several areas, which receive assistance from a Sectional Director to strengthen Area programs.
The State level provides leadership and direction to the program and conducts five major competitions, several fundraising activities, and management of all sports.
Athletes and Volunteers
The statewide program supports 11,639 athletes and Unified Partners who are assisted by 1,642 coaches and 12,343 volunteers.
Sports and Comptetion
Special Olympics Massachusetts offers a variety of Olympic type programs to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Whether you prefer participating with peers from the community-at-large or only with Special Olympics athletes, SOMA has programs for eligible individuals starting at the age of 2 with continued opportunities for healthy participation that lasts a lifetime. Sports and Training:
Special Olympics Massachusetts offers competitions and training in 26 core sports