ways to play

Competitive Sports

Competition leads to growth and the athletes are always looking to build their skills to meet and exceed their opponents. Competitive sports programming is available throughout Massachusetts in 23 sports at the local, regional and state level. Whether training to run the 100m dash or helping your basketball team win the league, you will find high quality competition with Special Olympics.

competitive sports

Put me in coach!

Sign up to join a local team or individual sport. Special Olympics Massachusetts has teams for every age and skill level. Everyone is placed in a division that provides quality, evenly matched competition. To prepare for game day, local coaches run training sessions throughout the season building sport-based skills, team camaraderie, and a local social network for athletes, unified partners, and their families.

All coaches have access to training including sport-specific skills, working with athletes with disabilities and autism, concussion prevention and awareness, and Unified sports.   

7,605

Athletes who competed last year

2,182

Unified Partners who competed last year

1,382

Coaches in Massachusetts

Award Medal

798

Annual competitions

Ways To Play

From dancing to walking clubs and individual skills instruction on a variety of specific sports - there’s an opportunity for every age and ability, all year long!

Competition leads to growth and the athletes are always looking to build their skills to meet and exceed their opponents. Competitive sports programming is available throughout Massachusetts in 23 sports at the local, regional and state level. Whether training to run the 100m dash or helping your basketball team win the league, you will find high quality competition with Special Olympics.

A group of friends cheering for their favorite team, with huge smiles on their faces and arms raised high in celebration. They are both wearing matching team jerseys and seem to be in the midst of an exciting game.Austria special olympics world winter games 2017

At Special Olympics Massachusetts, athletes train and compete through local practices and competitions to qualify for sectional and statewide events. Athletes must be at least eight years old to participate in local programs and are required to train for eight weeks to qualify for statewide events. Children under the age of eight can participate in the YOUNG ATHLETES® PROGRAM.

Get involved with Special Olympics today
Get involved today!
sports

Resources and Stories

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Re-Winding 2024: Game-Changing Sports Moments

In 2024, Special Olympics MA marked 10 years with the NE Revolution, prepped skiers for the World Games, debuted floorball with Bruins prospects, partnered with Patriots' Drake Maye, and announced 2026 USA Games teams.

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Stretching in Cold Weather Matters: Lessons from Seven Hill's Success at Flag Football

Stretching in cold weather preps tight muscles, boosts flexibility, and prevents injuries. Seven Hills teams at Flag Football used dynamic stretches and group routines, winning big—proof of stretching's mental and physical benefits!

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Coach Mike's Heroic Hamstring-Tearing Touchdown Seals Gold for New Bedford at Gillette

Coach Mike Trainor's heroic, hamstring-tearing touchdown sealed gold for New Bedford's Special Olympics team at Gillette, capping a tough season with heart, teamwork, and an unforgettable win.

The Traditional Sports offered at Special Olympics Massachusetts

Basketball

Bocce

Bowling

Cornhole

Cycling

Equestrian

Figure Skating

Flag Football

Floor Hockey

Golf

Gymnastics

Powerlifting

Roller Skating

Sailing

Skiing

Snowboarding

Soccer

Softball

Speed Skating

Swimming

Tennis

Track & Field

Volleyball

See What Sports Are Recruiting Near You
Explore Sports Offerings
unified Sports

Frequently Asked Competitive Sports Questions

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org

What are Special Olympics Competitive Sports?
How do you make the competition fair and fun?
How much does it cost to participate in competitive sports?
When is Summer Games?
Are Competitive Sports adaptive?
Can my child without an intellectual disability participate in competitive sports?
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