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PROGRAMS & EVENTS.
Special Olympics is strongly based on the premise that with sports training and competition, athletes are able to lead fuller, more self-sufficient lives, and are able to achieve success on and off the field of competition. SOCI has adopted a mandate of training for life for our athletes.
Our Sports.
Athletics
Powerlifting
Golf
Basketball
Bocce
Football
Swimming
Open Water
And Stand Up Paddleboard!
Our athletes have the opportunity to travel around the world making friends and sharing in cultural exchange through a number of international events. Learn more here.
Unified
Sports
Other than family members, there are few people who are closer than teammates.
Somehow, their common pursuit against the odds, that shared moment of victory or defeat, brings even the most diverse people together – and no program does that better than Special Olympics Unified Sports.
Dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, Special Olympics Unified Sports combines individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and individuals without intellectual disabilities (partners) on the sports teams.
The program was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
Healthy Athletes
Just like any other athlete, health and nutrition are key to performing on the playing field.
Special Olympics International is also the world’s largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities. At all international events athletes have access to a wide range of free health exams. Our goal is to bring better fitness, nutrition and healthier lifestyles to everyone involved in Special Olympics — from athletes and their families, to coaches and volunteers.
SOCI provides annual checks during the Healthy Athletes Fair. The information gathered during the screenings is compiled for caregivers with any recommendations for further care. In 2020, local dental facility, My Island Dentist donated their time and expertise on a Saturday to address all athletes dental needs
Athlete Leadership Program
Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programme allows athletes to explore opportunities in roles previously considered “non-traditional”.
Such participation might come in the form of an athlete serving on the Board of Directors or local organizing committee; or it might find an athlete as a spokesperson, team captain, coach or official.