 |
 |
Find out what's happening in your area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special Olympics Idaho offers year-round sports training and athletic competition in 15 Olympic-type
sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation is open to anyone ages 8
and older, and programs are designed to serve all ability levels. There is no charge to participate in
Special Olympics.
In all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level,
age and gender. Special Olympics Idaho also offers events for lower ability level athletes to train and
compete in basic skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer
competitive events.
Special Olympics Idaho offers Unified Sports®,
which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete together.
By providing all athletes the opportunity to participate, Unified Sports® develops specific athletic
skills, builds confidence and self-esteem, and increases understanding of persons with differing abilities.
To learn more about an individual sport, please contact the Special Olympics Idaho chapter in
your area.
*Also offered in the Unified Sports® program
Alpine Skiing
Special Olympics also offers Alpine skiing events for beginner and lower ability level athletes
to train and compete in basic Alpine skiing skills. These events include glide and walking events.
[Back to top]
Basketball
Basketball is a favorite among Special Olympics athletes. In addition to team competition, Special Olympics
Basketball also offers individual skills competition, which allows athletes to train and compete in basic
basketball skills. 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.
[Back to top]
Bowling
Bowling is one of the fastest growing Special Olympics sports. 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.
[Back to top]
Cycling
Cycling is an exciting sporting event that tones muscles and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Special Olympics
offers events from 500 meter time trials to 40K road races.
[Back to top]
Equestrian
Special Olympics athletes who compete in the equestrian events learn to ride, develop sports skills and gain the
self-confidence to direct and control a horse. Athletes are able to compete in a variety of English and
Western-style events, including relays, drill teams and prix caprilli (jumping events).
[Back to top]
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. 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 Skills, 9-hole stroke play
or 18-hole stroke play.
[Back to top]
Nordic Skiing
Nordic Skiing is a winter sport which promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes
of all ages. Special Olympics Nordic skiing events are designed to be appropriate for athletes of every ability level.
Individual events offered in Nordic skiing range from the 500 meter race to the 10K. In addition to these traditional
events, Special Olympics offers events for lower ability level athletes to train and compete in basic Nordic skiing
skills.
[Back to top]
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, or in combinations. Note that Special
Olympics athletes must be 16 years of age before competing in powerlifting.
[Back to top]
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is not only one of the newer sports within the Olympic movement, but within Special Olympics too. The
physical demands of this fast-paced sport are challenging for any athlete. At a minimum, snowboarding requires a
combination of quick reflexes, good balance and strong physical fitness.
[Back to top]
Snowshoeing
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.
[Back to top]
Soccer
Soccer is considered the world's most popular sport for children and adults around the world. Similarly, it is one
of the most popular sports for Special Olympics athletes. Athletes are able to improve their overall physical fitness
through training and competition. In addition to offering traditional soccer, Special Olympics Soccer offers
individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic soccer skills. These skills include
dribbling, shooting, and the run and kick. A player's final score is determined by adding together the scores
achieved in each of the events.
[Back to top]
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. 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.
[Back to top]
Swimming
Because of the wide array of swimming events offered, this sport is appropriate for a range of ages and ability
levels. Swimming competition events are based on a variety of strokes.
[Back to top]
Track & Field
Track & Field events offer a wide 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.
[Back to top]
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.
[Back to top]
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Work directly with the athletes, assist with competitions or assist in making our events
successful.
As a contributor, you are the springboard for the vision of Special Olympics, helping our
athletes better themselves and learn valuable lessons.
|
|
|
|
|
"The athletes of Special Olympics Idaho remind us that triumph over adversity are reflections of the heart of America."
|
- Corporate Partner
|
|
|
|
