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.

Fun Facts:
Athletics was an event at the first Special Olympics International Games held in Chicago, Illinois in 1968.
Special Olympics Washington was honored to send Kellen Mendez, from Longview, to the 2023 World Games in Berlin.

Basketball is one of the top sports for Special Olympics Washington. Players take it up at all ages and at all abilities, from young players learning to handle the ball and keep it under control while dribbling to older, more experienced players who have the moves and know the strategies to play challenging ball. We offer team events as well as individual skills competitions that help athletes train and compete in basic basketball skills before advancing to team play.

It is also one of the favorite sports for the Special Olympics Unified Sports initiative, when players with and without intellectual disabilities form teams to play other unified teams. It's a learning experience that brings together communities and helps foster a spirit of inclusion.

Fun Facts: Basketball was first introduced in 1968 at the first Special Olympics Games in Chicago, Il.

Bowling is one of the fastest growing Special Olympics sports. Although there are some modifications made for athletes with various abilities, most athletes compete under the same rules and circumstances as athletes on a professional tour.

Bowling may not be an Olympic sport, but it is among the most popular sports in Special Olympics. It is a particularly beneficial sport to people with intellectual disabilities, irrespective of their age or sports abilities, since it ensures physical exercise and at the same time participation and social integration.

Fun Fact:
Bowling is Special Olympics Washington's largest sport with over 4,177 Athletes and Unified Partners competing!

In Special Olympics, powerlifting is much more than deadlift, squat or bench press. It is effort, persistence and loyalty. Training, determination and attitude are the key facts that define the balance between a successful or a failed attempt. 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.

Fun Facts:
Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in three lifts: the bench press, the deadlift and the squat, or in combinations of these events.
Special Olympics Washington was honored to send Mitchell Hibdon, from Olympia, to the 2023 World Games in Berlin.

The physical demands of this fast-paced sport are challenging for any athlete. At a minimum, snowboarding requires quick reflexes, good balance and strong physical fitness. It is a fun way to stay fit, push the boundaries and enjoy the beautiful mountains that Washington has to offer.

Fun Fact:
For the past two years Special Olympics Washington has sent SOWA athletes to compete in Unified X-Games.

Soccer is possibly the world's most popular team sport. Athletes have the opportunity to compete on teams as well as in Individual Skills Competition, which develops basic soccer skills. Special Olympics Washington is proud to host many Unified and Traditional Soccer Teams all across the state, with the number of participating athletes growing each season.

Fun Fact:
We are also very excited to have a great partnership with Sounders FC . This partnership provides opportunities including Unified Exchange matches with Unified Special Olympics teams from other states.

Special Olympics softball is an exciting team sport. Athletes can participate in individual skills, coach pitch or traditional slow-pitch. The softball individual skills competition allows 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 up his or her scores in the different events.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.

Fun Facts:
Special Olympics softball was introduced in 1983.

Swimming is one of the most popular sports in world. Unlike other sports, swimming is a life skill that is taught first to ensure safety, and secondly for sports and competition purposes. Aquatics covers a great variety of swimming skills, from short sprints to longer events and relays.

The game of volleyball is attractive to all types of players, from competitive to recreational, young and old. To play volleyball, players need to acquire a few basic skills, learn a few rules, require very little equipment and can play the game almost anywhere--from the beach to the gym. The aim of the sport is to score more points by hitting the ball with the hands and sending it over the net to the opponent's court.