Special Olympics New Hanover County offers training and competition in 13 Olympic-type sports. Competition is offered in traditional and Unified Sports. Traditional sports involve athletes with intellectual disabilities only, while Unified Sports pairs a Special Olympics athlete with a partner of similar ability level.

Bocce, golf, roller skating, and soccer are offered as Fall Sports.  Aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, powerlifting, and softball are offered as Summer Sports. Bowling, and tennis are offered at the Midsummer Sports. We also offers a stand-alone Basketball & Cheerleading Championship.

Children and adults ages 8 and older with intellectual disabilities can participate in Special Olympics. Special Olympics is Free to participating athletes. Athletes receive the benefits from participating in sports but also the opportunity to train as a coach, official or public speaker through the Athlete Leadership Programs, which has proven valuable for social development and increased self-esteem.

Interested in participating as an athlete, coach or volunteer, there is a place of you at Special Olympics New Hanover County. Just click on the appropriate link above to get an application to be an athlete, coach or volunteer.