Test the waters at Special Olympics Massachusetts with our various recreational sport and fitness opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a low-key program to stay active with and build lasting friendships or seeking a steppingstone before taking the deeper dive into competitive sports, we have something for you!
Athletes participating in recreational sports
Coaches and unified partners in recreational sports
These 6-8 week programs are perfect for athletes who are ready to learn sports skills and gameplay, but aren’t yet ready for a competitive program. Sport activities and trainings focus on track & field, soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and flag football skills.
Sign UpWith nearly a dozen different Walking Club locations, there’s sure to be one near you! Whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh air, make new friends, hit that step goal, or just get some exercise, walking clubs are a perfect, low-stakes way to get involved with Special Olympics.
Sign UpCome and groove to your favorite pop songs alongside other enthusiastic and passionate dancers of all skill levels! Most dance classes teach the foundations of hiphop or street jazz genres and incorporate Zumba-like and aerobic movement.
Sign UpIn 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.
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!
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.
Couldn’t find what you were looking for? write to us at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org
Special Olympics has historically supported competitive team and individual sports. As we have grown, it has become clear that there are a number of individuals with intellectual disabilities (and folks without disabilities) who want an active outlet without the demand of competition or commitment of a long sports season. They love sports and just want to play with members of their community. Special Olympics Massachusetts has designed recreational programs to support healthy lifestyles. These programs include walking/running clubs, fitness bootcamps, sports skills centers (drop-in pick-up games), and Unified dance programs. Based on their popularity, we would expect even more to pop up.
Some of these programs offer slivers of competition, like a pick-up game or scrimmage at a weekly sports skills center, but for the most part these activities are designed to build a sense of community around the love of inclusion and sport.
As with all Special Olympics programming, there is never a cost for athletes to participate. Recreational Sports programming is no different. Through incredible donor support and critical financial partnerships, we are proud to be able to provide these programs free of cost.
Special Olympics Programs are designed for athletes with intellectual disabilities and as such, we adapt to meet the needs of each person. As we are able and with a focus on the safety of all participants, we will also make accommodations and adaptations for individuals who also have a physical disability.
It really depends on the program although, typically community-based recreation programs run for eight-weeks with one session each week. Please check the specific program you are interested in for details including dates, locations and time on the Athlete Registration page
Absolutely! Our recreation programs are designed to be inclusive of anyone who wants to build play their day. Special Olympics wants everyone to get used to the idea that a more inclusive community is a better community, where better to start than with a bunch of friends gathering to get healthy and have a good time?
While we cannot guarantee complete one on one support for athletes, we always try to adapt to meet the needs of each person. As we are able and with a focus on the safety of all participants, we will make accommodations and adaptations for individuals who need greater support.