Special Olympics: Athletics Sport Center

Athletics Sport Center

This page draws together athletics-related information for all of Special Olympics. The coaching materials and other links will help you get a good sense of how this sport contributes to Special Olympics.

Stories Events Games

The sport of athletics encourages athletes of all abilities and ages to compete at their optimum level. Through the track-and-field-based athletics training program, participants can develop total fitness to compete in any sport. As with all Special Olympics sports, athletics offers athletes the opportunity to learn through skill development and competitive settings and to be involved in large social settings.

Athletics Coaching Guide

Downloads and Links

News and Stories

May 07, 2013 | North America: Ohio

New to Special Olympics

By Amy Williams

I been doing Special Olympics for an little over a year and a half now and I love doing it but I never thought I would have found the goodwill gladiator without my sister Sally Williams.View Story ▼I been doing Special Olympics for an little over a year and a half now and I love doing it but I never thought I would have found the goodwill gladiator without my sister Sally Williams being one of the coaches for everything I am doing like basketball, softball, track and tennis and she coaches everything I do and I know she likes being a coach. But I never thought I would ever get qualified for the national games and go to the summer games in Ohio after my first year of doing it but I am so happy my sister is my coach and she is good at it and I am happy I found the team I am on.

April 23, 2013 | North America: Ohio

the best in people

By kyle akers

You know everyone has a Special Olympics moment. Mine happened to be last year where I returned to the track at OSU for the summer games.View Story ▼You know everyone has a Special Olympics moment. Mine happened to be last year where I returned to the track at OSU for the summer games. The reason I had to step away from track is because of my back pains. It hurts so much sometimes to the point where I almost black out but last year at OSU, I won the gold and that was my most remarkable victory at OSU. The best in people doesn't mean to just go to state one year and win the gold then retire, no, no, you must keep your head held high and keep going untill you reach that dream of being the best you can be. This year in 2013 win or lose this will be my offical dream to get to go for my 14th year. I know, right, 14 years of doing this stuff. I love this stuff even though there may be moments where I'm like, omg, I quit, I can't do this. But then I sit myself down and pray to Jesus and I believe that after I say amen that I say to myself, let's get out there and let's do this as a team and say sorry for my mistakes. That is what you got to do 2 win.

April 10, 2013 | North America: Michigan

Track

By ben dornoff

My friend came up to me last year and asked about getting a releay team together and asked if i wanted to be on it. I said sure ... we ended up winning gold for the first time in the relay. Special Olympics has me me so happy.View Story ▼My friend came up to me last year and asked about getting a releay team together and asked if i wanted to be on it. I said sure then he asked his brother and one more friend and then boom we had a relay team. We put alot of practice into getting good because we all wanted to go to state summer games and see what we could do there. And come to find out we ended up winning gold for the first time in the relay and this year we are trying to go for our second gold medal. Special Olympics has me me so happy.

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Upcoming Athletics Events

Date	Event	Location
May 21 - 23 2013	District of Columbia Summer Games Join us May 21-23 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1000 athletes will compete in bocce, soccer, tennis, track & field and Volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Catholic University Washington, District of Columbia UNITED STATES
May 23 - 25 2013	Arkansas Summer Games Join us May 23-25 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2000 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, bocce, golf, powerlifting, flag football and softball. For more information More DetailsView More	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas UNITED STATES
May 24 - 26 2013	Iowa Summer Games Join us MAY 24-26 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 3000 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, bocce, cycling, roller skating, soccer and tennis. For more information More DetailsView More	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa UNITED STATES
May 24 - 26 2013	Louisiana Summer Games Join us May 24-26 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 800 athletes will compete in athletics (track & field), bocce, powerlifting, and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana UNITED STATES
May 30 - Jun 1 2013	New Hampshire Summer Games Join us May 30 - June 1 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 900 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce, equestrian, powerlifting and tennis. For more information More DetailsView More	University of New Hampshire Durham, New Hampshire UNITED STATES
May 30 - Jun 2 2013	Missouri Summer Games Join us May 30 - June 2 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2000 athletes will compete in athletics (Track & Field), aquatics, basketball, bowling, powerlifting and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Columbia, Missouri UNITED STATES
May 30 - Jun 1 2013	Michigan Summer Games Join us May 30 - June 1 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 3500 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, horseshoes, powerlifting, volleyball and motor activities training program. For more information More DetailsView More	Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, Michigan UNITED STATES
May 31 - Jun 4 2013	8th Special Olympics Singapore National Games Special Olympics Singapore is hosting 640 athletes from Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines at the 8th Special Olympics Singapore National Games. Athletes will compete in six sports; athletics, badminton, bocce, bowling, football, swimming. Held once every four years,the Games is a competitive multi-sports event for individuals for intellectual disabilities. The Games are open to athletes 8 years and above, competing in divisions according to their abilities. The Games aims to unite the local community through the transformative power of sports and invites everyone to come celebrate the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. For more informationView More	Multi venuesSingapore SINGAPORE
May 31 - Jun 2 2013	Washington Summer Games Join us May 31-June 2 at Joint Base Lewis during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2500 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, basketball, tennis and powerlifting. For more information More DetailsView More	Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington UNITED STATES
May 31 - Jun 2 2013	Kentucky Summer Games Join us May 31-June 2 during our Summer Games event. Over 1000 athletes will compete in track and field, swimming, bocce, flag football and rhythmic gymnastics. For more information More DetailsView More	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky UNITED STATES
May 31 - Jun 2 2013	North Carolina Summer Games Join us May 31 - June 2 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1200 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina UNITED STATES
May 31 - Jun 2 2013	Kansas Summer Games Join us May 31 - June 2 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2000 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, tennis and powerlifting. For more information More DetailsView More	Wichita State University Wichita, Kansas UNITED STATES
May 31 - Jun 1 2013	North Dakota Summer Games Join us May 31 - June 1 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 650 athletes will compete in Unified volleyball, aquatics, gymnastics, powerlifting, bocce, and track & field. For more information More DetailsView More	Davies High School Fargo, North Dakota UNITED STATES
Jun 2 - 3 2013	Colorado Summer Games Join us June 2-3 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1100 athletes will compete in track and field, soccer, swimming, gymnastics and powerlifting. For more information More DetailsView More	Grand Junction, Colorado UNITED STATES
Jun 6 - 8 2013	Wisconsin Summer Games Join us June 6-8 at University of Wisconsin during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1800 athletes will compete in aquatics (swimming), athletics (track & field), soccer and powerlifting. For more information More DetailsView More	University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Wisconsin UNITED STATES
Jun 6 - 8 2013	Pennsylvania Summer Games Join us June June 6-8 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2000 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis. For more information More DetailsView More	Penn State University in State College Philadelphia, Pennsylvania UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	Connecticut Summer Games Join us June 7-9 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2400 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, cycling and gymnastics. For more information More DetailsView More	Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 8 2013	Delaware Summer Games Join us June 7-8 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 800 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, bocce, powerlifting, softball, tennis, MATP and Young Athletes. For more information More DetailsView More	Newark, Delaware UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	Indiana Summer Games Join us June 7-9 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2600 athletes will compete in aquatics, bocce, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, powerlifting, track & field and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	Maryland Summer Games Join us June 7-9 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1500 athletes will compete in cheerleading, aquatics, softball, bocce, and athletics. For more information More DetailsView More	Towson, Maryland UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 8 2013	Virginia Summer Games Summer Games, our largest competition, is nothing short of legendary thanks to overwhelming support from thousands of local volunteers who brave the summer heat to assist Special Olympics Virginia athletes each June. Athletes come from all corners of the state to compete in swimming, powerlifting, softball, track & field, bowling and tennis. This event also features our annual Healthy Athletes expo, as well as fan filled stands, thanks to our Volunteer to Cheer program! Summer Games, one of Special Olympic Virginia’s seven state-level competitions, has been at UR since 1983; prior to that, the event was held in Lynchburg. For more information More DetailsView More	University of Richmond Richmond, Virginia UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	Alaska Summer Games Join us June 7-9 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 300 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, basketball, gymnastics, and powerlifting. For more information More DetailsView More	Anchorage, Alaska UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	Massachusetts Summer Games Join us June 7-9 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1300 athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, powerlifting, roller skating, tennis and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Harvard Athletic Complex Boston, Massachusetts UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	Vermont Summer Games Join us June 7-9 at University of Vermont during our Summer Games event. Approximately 600 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics (track and field), bocce and softball. For more information More DetailsView More	University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont UNITED STATES
Jun 7 - 9 2013	New Jersey Summer Games Join us June 7-9 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2500 athletes will compete in aquatics, bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, tennis and track & field. For more information More DetailsView More	The College of New Jersey Ewing, New Jersey UNITED STATES
Jun 8 - 9 2013	Southern California Summer Games More than 1,100 Special Olympics Southern California athletes will show their courage and determination during Summer Games on June 8-9 at Cal State Long Beach. Become a volunteer, or come cheer these superstars on as they hit game-winning baskets, make birdie putts, and swim for the gold. This event is free, and it is open to the general public. The Games will feature our six spring/summer sports (aquatics, basketball, bocce, golf, gymnastics, and track and field). Along with the competitions, you will have fun playing games, listening to live music, and participating in many activities. For more information More Details Kelly Kloepping Email:kkloepping@sosc.org Phone:(562) 522-8554View More	California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, California UNITED STATES
Jun 13 - 15 2013	Utah Summer Games Join us June 13-15 at Herriman High School during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1000 athletes will compete in athletics (Track & Field), cycling, soccer, Unified Sports® Soccer, softball and motor activities training program. For more information More DetailsView More	Herriman High School Herriman, Utah UNITED STATES
Jun 14 - 16 2013	New York Summer Games Join us June June 14-16 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1000 athletes will compete in athletics (track & field), aquatics, basketball, bowling, powerlifting, gymnastics, tennis and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York UNITED STATES
Jun 14 - 16 2013	Illinois Summer Games Join us June 14-16 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 3800 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting and soccer. For more information More DetailsView More	Illinois State University Normal, Illinois UNITED STATES
Jun 20 - 22 2013	Minnesota Summer Games Join us June 20-22 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1300 athletes will compete in athletics, gymnastics, tennis and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	Stillwater Stillwater, Minnesota UNITED STATES
June 21, 2013	Track and Field Competition Join us at the Estadio Magico in an Salvador, El Salvador on 21 June from 8am-1pm for an exciting day of track & field competition. Special Olympics athletes will show their skill while competing in various track events. For more informationView More	Estadio MagicoSan Salvador EL SALVADOR
Jun 28 - 29 2013	Idaho Summer Games Join us June 28-29 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 900 athletes will compete in aquatics, basketball, cycling, powerlifting and track & field. For more information More DetailsView More	Boise Boise, Idaho UNITED STATES
Jun 28 - 30 2013	Northern California Summer Games Join us June 28-30 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 900 athletes will compete in aquatics, bocce, tennis and track & field. For more information More DetailsView More	Davis, California UNITED STATES
Jun 28 - Jan 30 2013	Ohio Summer Games Join us June June 28 - 30 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 2600 athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics (track and field), bocce, bowling, cycling, gymnastics, power lifting, roller skating, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. For more information More DetailsView More	The Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio UNITED STATES
Jul 13 - 14 2013	Oregon Summer Games Join us July 13-14 during our Summer Games event. Approximately 1800 athletes will compete in athletics (track & field), bocce, golf, and softball. For more information More DetailsView More	Newberg Newberg, Oregon UNITED STATES
Aug 28 - Sep 1 2013	Great Britain Summer Games The 9th National Summer Games will be held in the city of Bath from 28 August to 01 September. Over 1,700 athletes will be competing in athletics, badminton, bocce, bowls (short mat carpet bowls), football, golf, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis, ten pin bowling, tennis and swimming. For more information More DetailsView More	University of Bath Bath, Claverton Down UNITED KINGDOM
Nov 30 - Dec 7 2013	Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games The inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games will take place in Newcastle, New South Wales in 2013. The event will see Australia welcome more than 1,700 Special Olympics athletes, 600 coaches, 4,000 volunteers, and approximately 200,000 spectators from 25 nations across the Asia Pacific region. Newcastle will offer world class facilities and venues across the range of nine sports to be conducted during the Games – Athletics, Bocce, Bowling, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Table Tennis, Cricket and Aquatics as well as venues for the Opening Ceremony and Games social hub. For more information More Details Alex McNeilly Email:alexm@specialolympics.com.auView More	Hunter Stadium 294 Turton Rd, New Lambton NSW 2305 Newcastle, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
Jun 13 - 21 2014	2014 USA National Games The USA National Games be centered in and around Princeton and the Greater Mercer County area. Venues will include Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, and Mercer County Park. The New Jersey Devils have offered The Prudential Center as the venue for the Opening Ceremonies. The National Games will feature nearly 3,500 athletes competing in 14 Olympic-style sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and an estimated 50,000 family, friends and spectators. Non-competitive special events will include the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run™ that will symbolize the start of the competition and Healthy Athletes, a place where the athletes can get vital health screenings. Youth and education events will also be held in conjunction with the Games as young leaders rally around making change for the better of the Special Olympics movement and promoting acceptance of those with intellectual disabilities. For more information More Details Greg Epperson Email:gepperson@specialolympics.org Phone:919-785-0700View More	Several Locations - New Jersey Princeton, New Jersey UNITED STATES

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Athletics/Track and Field Competitions

2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games

Athens, Greece, was the home of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. That year, it was the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities. See results by athlete, delegation and bib number.

See the Results

Related Coaching Resources

How to Get Involved in Special Olympics

Special Olympics sports training, coaching and competitions go on in more than 170 countries around the world. You can get involved by getting in touch with the closest Special Olympics office.

Special Olympics near you»

Made Possible by The Annenberg Foundation

The Special Olympics movement is profoundly grateful for the support of the Annenberg Foundation which has underwritten the production of the coaches’ guides and resources, supporting our global goals for coaches’ excellence.

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