We like to call it "Training for Life" - providing persons with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to become physically fit, develop cooperation and social skills, and increase their self-esteem, all while competing in an Olympic-type sports program.

Sports participation for our athletes is truly "Training for Life," and Special Olympics Virginia gives everyone a chance to keep that spirit alive. To find out how you can get involved with Special Olympics Virginia, please call 1-800-932-GOLD or email us at info@specialolympicsva.org.

Games
Special Olympics currently serves almost 1.4 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in more than 150 countries. More 2,400 contests alone taking place in the Commonwealth. Special Olympics athletes are divisioned by age and ability level to give everyone a reasonable chance to win. Participants who finish first in their divisions are eligible to advance to state, national and international games.

Special Olympics Virginia hosts six state-level competitions annually. They are:


Alpine Skiing Championships
January, Wintergreen Mountain

Winter Championships
January, Northern VA
(figure and speed skating)

Basketball Championships
March, Stafford & Spotsylvania Counties
(full court, half court and individual skills)

Summer Games
June, Richmond
(bowling, powerlifting, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field)

Golf Championships
October, Richmond


Fall Championships
November, Virginia Beach
(roller skating, soccer, bowling, volleyball, Equestrian, Golf)

International competitions take place every two years and alternate between Winter Games and Summer Games.