Volleyball is a signature Special Olympics team sport for athletes of all ages and abilities. Athletes pick up the basic skills and fundamental knowledge rather quickly, and the game can be played almost anywhere, from the beach to a gym. Athletes participating in this sport may also have opportunities to medal in individual skills and/or Unified team competitions.

Softball is a signature Special Olympics team sport for athletes of all ages and abilities. Games are played between two teams of up to 14 players, with the object of scoring more runs than the opposing team. Athletes participating in this sport may also have opportunities to medal in skills competitions. Batters up; let’s play ball!

Figure skating is a signature Special Olympics sport for athletes of all ages and abilities. Participants learn the tactical skills needed to compete as individuals, pairs, or groups, performing spins, jumps and other intricate and challenging moves on the ice. Beginner and seasoned figure skaters alike have an opportunity to compete at local, state, national, and world events.

Soccer is a signature Special Olympics team sport for athletes of all ages and abilities. Games are played between two teams of 11 players each, including one goalkeeper, with the object of scoring more goals than the opposing team. Athletes participating in this sport may also have opportunities to medal in individual skills and/or Unified team competitions.

Basketball is one of the most popular Special Olympics sports, attracting athletes of all ages and abilities. Our youngest athletes and beginners will learn the basic skills and fundamentals of the game before putting their skills to the test on the main court. Experienced players have opportunities to play challenging ball against other training clubs in their local community, across the state and on the national and world stages. Athletes participating in this sport may also have opportunities to medal in skills and/or Unified competitions.

Bowling is a competitive individual and team sport where athletes try to knock down as many pins as possible. Bowling is considered to be among the most popular sports within Special Olympics because it is picked up relatively quickly by people of all ages and abilities, and it is one the primary Unified Sports offered in schools.

Basketball is one of the most popular Special Olympics sports, attracting athletes of all ages and abilities. Our youngest athletes and beginners will learn the basic skills and fundamentals of the game before putting their skills to the test on the main court. Experienced players have opportunities to play challenging ball against other training clubs in their local community, across the state and on the national and world stages. Athletes participating in this sport may also have opportunities to medal in skills and/or Unified competitions.

Track & Field is one of the most popular Special Olympics sports, attracting athletes of all ages and abilities both in school and in local communities. Athletes are trained to compete in all of the typical track & field event such as sprint and relay races, shotput, javelin, long jump and more!

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.

Bocce is a competitive team sport suitable for all ages and abilities. Originating in Italy, the goal of the game is to roll your team’s balls closest to the target ball, which is called the pallina. Bocce is a great sport for athletes who are new to Special Olympics to try, as it can be picked up quickly and offers a fun social atmosphere. Next to soccer and golf, bocce is the third most played sport in the world!

Special Olympics golfers learn the basics of this sophisticated game as they prepare to compete as individuals, Unified pairs (alternate shot) or teams at the local, state, national and world level. Athletes participating in this golf may also have opportunities to medal in skills competitions. Special Olympics New York athletes, coaches and volunteers gain free access to the World Handicap System as part of our partnership with the New York State Golf Association.

Swimming is one of the most popular sports in world and Special Olympics is no different. Our swimming offerings include competition in a variety of skills and events, from sprints to longer distances, relays and stroke-specific challenges.