Sports

Competition Overview
Special Olympics Florida conducts six State Championships every year. These events are the culmination of an athletes training and competition cycle for a specific sports season.

In order to compete in a State Championship event, athletes and teams must have completed eight weeks of training and compete at county and area level competitions. In addition, basketball teams must qualify at a sectional competition.

Fall Classic
Over one thousand athletes compete in our State Fall Classic held each year in November. Athletes compete in Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Roller Skating and Softball.

Basketball Championships
One hundred (100) teams compete in this event, held annually in March. Teams are divided into age groups and then into one of four ability groups. Teams must play a minimum of 4 games and qualify by winning their ability group at the area level. Teams advance on to one of 4 sectional tournaments at which they must win the competition in their ability group to advance to the state championships. This year's event is being conducted in Orlando.

These Championships are preceded by three simultaneous, separate statewide Sectional Tournaments.

Summer Games
Special Olympics Florida's Summer Games are the largest event on the calendar with over 2,100 athletes competing in Athletics (Track & Field), Bocce, Cycling, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and the Motor Activities Training Program. This event is held annually at the Disney's Wide World Of Sports in Orlando, and kicks off with an exciting Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies that ends with an inspiring fireworks display, and includes a large Olympic Village providing on-going entertainment for athletes, a reception for families and concludes on Saturday night with a closing ceremonies and the much anticipated Victory Dance.

Equestrian Sports
Over 250 riders annually train and compete locally in this exciting sport and in May, riders to compete in our State Championships at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Athletes compete in a variety of English and Western events giving them the opportunity to show their abilities.

Aquatics Championships
Over 300 athletes head to South Florida in October to compete in our annual Championships. Swimmers will compete in a full slate of short and long course events.

Golf Championships
Legends Golf and Country Club in Clermont hosts this championship in September, on their challenging 18-hole layout. Over one hundred golfers compete in the Individual Skills Competition while 65 golfers compete on the golf course in a variety of standard 9- and 18-hole events.

Sports Offered 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA
TRAINING/COMPETITION CYCLE
Through participation in 300 local competitions and six program championships, over 15,000 Special Olympics athletes from Florida have ample opportunity to practice and hone their skills. With 20 different sports being operated year round, chances are we've got a way for you to participate in Special Olympics.
Check out below which sport you'd like to try!