Special Olympics athletes are the true leaders of our movement.
Special Olympics Missouri offers 16 sports for individuals to practice and compete in, each of which are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age, and gender.
The physical, emotional and social benefits of participation in Special Olympics are experienced both on the playing field and at home.
- Physical exercise positively impacts health, mood, and anxiety.
- Emphasis on sports training helps athletes maintain a healthy weight.
- Athletes participate in activities that enhance their self-esteem and help them see that they can achieve goals they set for themselves.
- Athletes have many opportunities to make new friends and socialize in an environment that is accepting and encouraging.
- Travel opportunities allow athletes to gain experiences and skills that will positively impact all areas of their lives.
To participate in Special Olympics, a person must be at least eight years old. Children at the age of two may begin a Young Athletes training program in their local areas, but are not able to compete until the age of eight.
A person must also be identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following:
- Intellectual disability
- Closely related development disability, which means having functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care.
Note: People with functional limitations based solely on a physical, behavioral, emotional, specific learning disability, or sensory disability are not eligible.
General Learning Limitations refers to substantial deficits in conceptual, practical, and social intelligence that will result in performance problems in academic learning and/or general life functioning. Learning limitations may be assessed by standardized test (e.g., intelligence or achievement tests) or through criterion-referenced measures (e.g., teacher/parent observations or actual performance samples).
Adaptive Skill Limitations refers to on-going performance deficits in skill areas considered essential to successful life functioning. These adaptive skill areas include: communication, self-care, home-living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, recreation/leisure, and work. Adaptive skills limitations may be measured by standardized tests (e.g., adaptive behavior scales or checklists) or through criterion-referenced measures (e.g., teacher/parent observations or actual performance samples).
If the person is identified as having a developmental disability with functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills, it must still be determined by an agency or a professional whether or not the functional limitations are solely due to an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability. If the functional limitations are solely due to: physical disabilities, emotional disturbance, behavior disorders, specific learning disabilities, visual impairments, or sensory disabilities, this person is not eligible for Special Olympics.
To ensure the safety of our athletes and volunteers, the Special Olympics Missouri Board of Directors adopted on April 28, 2007, the “Athlete and Volunteer Policy and Missouri’s Registration of Sex Offenders."
* An Accredited Program may permit children who are at least six (6) years of age to participate in age-appropriate Special Olympics training programs offered by that Accredited Program, or in specific (and age-appropriate) cultural or social activities offered during the course of a Special Olympics event. Such children may be recognized for their participation in such training or other non-competition activities through certificates of participation, or through other types of recognition approved by SOI which are not associated with participation in Special Olympics competition. However, no child may participate in a Special Olympics competition (or be awarded medals or ribbons associated with competition) before his or her eighth birthday.
** When the term "intellectual disability" or other similar descriptor is not used to identify the person in a local area, eligibility should be determined by whether or not the person has functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills. "Developmental disability" is the term most often used to describe persons with both limitations. Other terms that may be used synonymously with developmental disability are developmental handicap, developmentally delayed, or severe disabilities.
Just a few simple steps before you can step on to the practice field.
1. Find your Area Program Staff
2. Download and complete physical and release forms, or request them from your Area Director. Every athlete is required to have a current physical and release form to practice & compete. Physicals are good for approximately 3 years - read more on our physical policy here.
3. Contact your local coach (your Area Program Staff will tell you who this is). If there is not a local coach in your area, your friend or family member may become a certified coach by attending the required training sessions.
Sports Offered Statewide
Athletics
Athletics events range from the 100 meters and hurdle events to the marathon, from the high jump to the long jump, shot put, relays and wheelchair events. Special Olympics also offers events for athletes of lower ability levels to train and compete in basic athletics skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer competitive events.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Track Events:
100, 200, 400, 800, Meter Run
Relays:
- 4 x 100
- 4 x 400 Meter
400 and 800 Meter Walk
Field Events:
High Jump
Long Jump
Shot Put :
- Women 2.72 kg/6 lbs (8-11 yrs - 1.81 kg/4 lbs)
- Men 4 kg/8.8 lbs (8-11 yrs - 2.72 kg/ 6lbs)
Mini-Javelin (Turbo Javelin):
- Women 300g (8-15 yrs - 300g)
-Men 400g (8-15 yrs - 300g)
Distance Events:
1500, 3000, 5000, 10,000 Meter
Multi Event:
Pentathlon (100 Meters, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, 800 Meters)
Wheelchair Events:
100, 200 and 400 Meter Wheelchair Race
Important Forms and Links:
- Athletic Rules - SOMO
- Athletics Rules - SOI
- USA Track and Field Rules
- Athletics Roster Form
- Summer Games Relay Form
- Summer Games Pentathalon Form
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Basketball
Basketball is a favorite among Special Olympics athletes. In addition to team competition, Special Olympics Basketball also offers individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic basketball skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to team play. These events include target pass, ten-meter dribble and spot shot. A player's final score is determined by adding the scores together achieved in each of the events.
As in all Special Olympics sports, basketball teams are grouped in competition divisions according to the athletes' and team's ability level, age, and gender.
Events:
- 5-on-5 Unified® Sports Team Competition
- 5-on-5 Team Competition
- Half Court: 3-on-3 Competition
- Half Court: 3-on-3 Unified® Sports Team Competition
- Individual Skills
- Team Skills
Important Forms and Links:
- Basketball Rules - SOMO
- Training Video - Basketball Skills
- Training Video - 3 on 3 Basketball
- Team Assessment Form
- Team Roster Form
- Team Skills Form
- Individual Skills Entry Form
- Wheelchair Rating Form
- Wheelchair Rules
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Bocce
Bocce is a game of skill and strategy. The object is for one team to get as many of their balls (boccia) closer to the pallina (the smallest ball) than the opposing team's closest ball. There may be anywhere from two to four players on a team. Each player is given two balls. Each player must then take turns rolling (lagging) the ball toward the pallina ball, which has already been thrown onto the field. The players are given points for the balls rolled closest to the pallina ball. Players may also throw on the fly (volo), striking the ball to move the point ball. Balls, including the pallina, may also be displaced by the balls of other players.
The Special Olympics bocce program has events for singles, doubles and team competition. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are placed in divisions according to ability, age and gender.
Divisions:
Singles
Doubles
Team Competition (4-person)
Unified® Sports Doubles and Team (4-person)
Important Forms and Links:
- Bocce Rules - SOMO
- Bocce Rules - SOI
- Training Video: How to set up and score individual and team assessments
- Online coaches training: April 28, 2020
- Team/Doubles Roster Form
- Roster Form
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Bowling
Bowling is a longtime favorite Special Olympics sport for all athletes of all ages. Although there are some modifications made for athletes with physical disabilities, most athletes compete under the same rules and circumstances as athletes on a professional tour.
In addition to offering traditional singles and doubles events, Special Olympics offers events for athletes with low ability levels to train and compete in basic bowling skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to match play.
As in all Special Olympics sports, bowling teams are grouped in competition divisions according to the athletes' ability level, age and gender.
Events:
Singles
Doubles
Mixed Doubles
Team
Unified Team
Unified Doubles
Individual Skills
Ramp Assisted
Ramp Unassisted
Important Forms and Links:
- Bowling Rules - SOMO
- Bowling Rules - SOI
- National Governing Body Rules
- Training Video: How to prepare for, set up, run and score ramp and non-ramp bowling
- Roster Form
- Team/Doubles Form
- Bowling Event Definitions
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Flag Football
General Rules
- Special Olympics Flag Football is non-contact. In all aspects of Special Olympics Flag Football, rulings shall be made with player safety as the primary consideration.
- The team roster may contain a maximum of 12 players.
- Teams shall field 5 players to start the game (required). Teams may continue with a minimum of 4 players, if necessary due to disqualification or injury.
- Teams will be grouped in divisions based on a classification round of games.
- Modified Event Traditional Event Unified Sports® Event
- Individual Skills Competition Traditional Team Competition
- Unified Team Competition
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Golf
Like most golfers, Special Olympics athletes are driven by the opportunity to compete. Program planning is designed to develop individual golf skills that enhance performance, allowing the athlete to achieve success in playing the game. Both on the practice area and on the course, Special Olympics athletes participating in golf have gained the respect of their golf peers.
The Special Olympics Golf program is centered on two educational phases designed to encompass all skill levels: learning to swing a golf club and learning to play the game. Athletes may participate in Individual Skills, 9-hole stroke play or 18-hole stroke play.
Special Olympics golf includes five levels of competition. Individual Skills Competition (Level 1) provides a meaningful competition for athletes of lower ability, allowing them to train and compete in basic golf skills. In order for athletes to advance to Levels 2-5, they must achieve a total of 60 points in the Individual Skills Test.
Events:
Level 1 - Individual Skills Competition
Level 2 - Unified Sports Alternate Shot Team Play (9 hole)
Level 3 - Unified Sports Alternate Shot Team Play (18 hole)
Level 4 - Individual Stroke Play Competition (9 hole)
Level 5 - Individual Stroke Play Competition (18 hole)
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Powerlifting
Special Olympics Powerlifting is about much more than squats, bench presses and deadlifts. It is about barriers, perseverance and success. Training, determination and attitude determine the fine line between success and failure. The bar may test an athlete's physical abilities, but an internal desire to improve - to not settle for less - is the drive behind the strain and dedication of the sport. Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in three lifts: the bench press, the deadlift and the squat.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Events:
- Bench Press
- Deadlift
- Combination (Bench press and Deadlift)
Important Forms and Links:
- Powerlifting Rules - SOMO
- Powerlifting Rules - SOI
- National Governing Body Rules
- Training Video: Technical rules on lifts in powerlifting and a training schedule
- Roster Form
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Softball
Softball is an exciting team sport in Special Olympics. Athletes play slow-pitch Softball, which involves two teams of 10 athletes each. Special Olympics offers individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic Softball skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to team competition. These skills include base running, fielding and throwing. A player's final score is determined by adding together the scores achieved in each of the events.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Events:
- Slow Pitch Team Competition
- Unified Sports® Team Competition
- Tee Ball
- Coach Pitch
- Individual Skills
Important Forms and Links:
- Softball Rules - SOI
- Training Video - How to set up and score individual skills
- Coaches Training/Rules Q&A (April 21, 2020)
- Softball Team Assessment Form
- Team Roster Form
- Individual Skills Form
- Low Motor Form
- Team Skills Form
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Swimming
Because of the wide array of swimming events offered, Aquatics is appropriate for a range of ages and ability levels. Aquatics competition events are based on a variety of strokes. Special Olympics also offers events for athletes of lower ability levels to train and compete in basic aquatics skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer competitive events.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Freestyle Events:
- 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,500 Meter
Individual Medley Events:
- 200 and 400 Meter
Freestyle and Medley Relay Events:
- 4 x 25, 4 x 50 and 4 x 100 Meter
- 4 x 200 Meter Freestyle Relay
Unified Sports® Relay Events:
- Freestyle: 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 Meter
- Medley: 4 x 25, 4 x 50 and 4 x 100 Meter
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Tennis
Like mainstream tennis, Special Olympics Tennis gives athletes the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of skills that can be played throughout life. In addition to offering traditional singles and doubles events, Special Olympics offers individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic tennis skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to match play. These skills include racket bounce, "ups", forehand volley, backhand ground stroke, serve-deuce court, serve-advantage court and alternating ground stroke with movement.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
For athletes who use a wheelchair or other aid, we offer training and competition in Low Motor Events.
Events:
- Singles
- Doubles
- Unified Sports Doubles
- Individual Skills
- Low Motor Skills
Important Forms and Links:
- Tennis Rules - SOMO
- Tennis Rules - SOI
- National Governing Body Rules
- Training Video: How to pick equipment, teach and score the sport and more
- SOMO Doubles Roster Form
- Roster Form
- Skills Assessment Form
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Volleyball
Athletes participating in Special Olympics Volleyball benefit from the camaraderie that comes from competing in a team sport, as well as the training that enables them to successfully serve and return a volleyball.
Special Olympics Volleyball also offers individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic volleyball skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to team competition. These skills include volleying, serving and passing.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Events:
- Team Competition
- Unified Sports Team Competition
- Individual Skills
Important Forms and Links:
- Volleyball Rules - SOMO
- Volleyball Rules - SOI
- National Governing Body Rules
- Individual Skills Form
- Team Roster Form
- Low Motor Entry Form
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Other Sports Offered
While some areas have athletes who train and compete in these sports, that doesn't mean an official SOMO competition is held. Some athletes train and compete as individuals on their own, while others may travel to neighboring states for competition. The areas that "offer" these sports can put you in contact with local teams that train in them. Click their links below to contact your area office. If you want to start one of these sports in your area, contact your area staff.
If you'd like to start a new sport that isn't listed, let us know.
Alpine Skiing
Areas Offered:
North, St. Louis Metro
This exciting winter sport challenges the athlete's ability and coordination while racing down a mountain at speeds of up to 64 kilometers per hour. The events offered are designed to accommodate every ability and competition interest. Three different ability levels of athletes compete in the downhill, slalom and giant slalom events. For each of these categories, the courses are set for advanced, intermediate or novice ability athletes. Beginners and athletes with lower ability levels can participate in the 10-meter walk, glide or super glide.
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Equestrian
Areas Offered:
Central Area, St. Louis Metro Area
The official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Equestrian shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules for equestrian. FEI or National Governing Body (NGB) rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Equestrian or Article I. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Equestrian shall apply.
PART 1--GENERAL RULES
SECTION A--OFFICIAL EVENTS
The following is a list of official events available in Special Olympics.
The range of events is intended to offer competition opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Programs may determine the events offered and, if required, guidelines for the management of those events. Coaches are responsible for providing training and event selection appropriate to each athlete’s skill and interest.
- 1. Dressage
- 2. Prix Caprilli
- 3. English Equitation (required as a preliminary test)
- 4. Stock Seat Equitation (required as a preliminary test)
- 5. Western Riding
- 6. Working Trails
- 7. Showmanship at Halter/Bridle Classes
- 8. Gymkhana Events
- a. Pole Bending
- b. Barrel Racing
- c. Figure 8 Stake Race
- d. Team Relays
- 9. Drill Teams of twos and fours
- 10.Unified Sports Team Relays
- 11.Unified Sports Drill Teams
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Floor Hockey
Areas Offered:
Kansas City Metro Area
Floor Hockey is adapted from the games of ice hockey and ringette. It is the only team sport in Special Olympics Winter Sports. Unlike Alpine or cross country skiing, Special Olympics Floor Hockey gives athletes who live in warm climates the opportunity to compete in Special Olympics Winter Sports. Floor Hockey is played in a rink, but the surface is made of wood or concrete, not ice. The teams are composed of six players, including a goalie. The athletes use wooden poles (without blades) as the sticks and the pucks are large felt discs with an open center.
Special Olympics Floor Hockey also offers individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic floor hockey skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to team play. These events include shooting, passing and stick handling. A player's final score is determined by adding the scores together achieved in each of the events.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Events:
- Team Competition
- Unified Sports Team Competition
- Individual Skills
Snowshoeing
Areas Offered:
Kansas City Metro
Snowshoeing is very similar to athletics and shares the same excellent cardiovascular workout as cross country skiing. Special Olympics Snowshoeing offers events for athletes of every ability level. Individual events offered in snowshoeing range from the 100 meter races to the 5K. In addition to these traditional events, Special Olympics offers events for athletes of lower ability levels to train and compete in basic snowshoeing skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer competitive events.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Events:
- 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 Meter Race
- 5K and 10K Race
- 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 Meter Relay Race
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
Soccer
Areas Offered:
SW Area, STL Metro, KC Metro
Soccer (football) is probably the world's most popular sport for children and adults alike.
Playing soccer requires very little equipment. Because it is easy to learn, soccer is appropriate for a wide range of age and ability levels. Athletes who participate in soccer are able to improve their overall physical fitness through training and competition. Because it is a team sport, athletes learn first hand the benefits of playing as a team. This promotes communication, camaraderie and friendships.
Events:
- 11-A-Side Team Competition
- 11-A-Side Unified Sports Team Competition
- 5-A-Side (Modified) Team Competition
- 5-A-Side (Modified) Unified Sports Team Competition
- Individual Skills
Important Forms and Links:
Interested in coaching this sport?
Contact your local office
What Other Opportunities Do Athletes Have?
Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity to be involved in several other programs
Health & Wellness
The Special Olympics Health & Wellness program offers a wide variety of services to athletes with intellectual disabilities and their families. Whether it's through exercise and nutrition classes with Fit 5, cooking classes, free health screenings through Healthy Athletes®, and much more, Special Olympics has made it a point to show that the overall health of people with intellectual disabilities is a part of our mission.
Athlete Leadership
This program is designed to train people with intellectual disabilities on leadership, life skills, and independence. Classes include public speaking, governance, internet/email, photography, videography, personal finances, job skills, teamwork/problem solving, health and much more. For many, this is the first time that they are given real choice and an opportunity to become leaders on their teams and in their communities.
Coaching
Athletes who show leadership abilities will have the opportunity to become a coach in lieu of competing in that sport. Just like our volunteer coaches, athletes must first be trained and prove that they can handle the responsibilities of coaching, starting out as an assistant coach and moving up the coaching ladder. To become a coach at any level, you will need to go through the Athlete Leadership Programs University.
