SONH Sports Offered

Alpine Skiing: An exciting winter sport that challenges the athlete's downhill racing ability and coordination.

Aquatics: Because of the wide array of swimming events offered, aquatics are appropriate for a range of ages and ability levels. Aquatics competition events are based on a variety of strokes.

Athletics: The sport of athletics (track & field) offers a wide range of events, from the 100 meters to the pentathalon, from the high jump to the long jump, shot put, relays and wheelchair events.

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 develop fundamental basketball skills.

Bocce: Bocce is a game of skill and strategy. The object is for one team to get as many of their balls (boccia) closer to the pallina (the smallest ball) than the opposing team's closest ball. There may be anywhere from two to four players on a team. Each player must then take turns rolling (lagging) the ball toward the pallina ball (also known as the jack, cue, beebee etc.), which has already been thrown onto the field. The players are given points for the balls rolled closest to the pallina ball.

Bowling: Bowling is one of the largest SONH sports. In New Hampshire we offer bowling competitions in Ten-pin and Candlepin bowling events. 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.

Cross Country Skiing: A winter sport which promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes of all ages. Special Olympics cross country skiing events are designed to be appropriate for athletes of every ability level.

Cycling: An exciting sporting event that tones muscles and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Special Olympics New Hampshire cycling events range from the 500 meter time trials to 25K road races.

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).

Floor Hockey: Floor Hockey is played on a rink, but the surface is made of wood or concrete, not ice. The teams are composed of six players, including a goalie. Floor Hockey is a Unified Sports competition and athletes and partners use hockey sticks with a plastic blade and an orange vinyl puck.

Golf: 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, 5 Hole Unified, Unified 9 Hole and Unified 18 Hole events.

Powerlifting: 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 dead lift and the squat, or in combination events. Note that Special Olympics athletes must be 14 years of age before competing in powerlifting.

Soccer: Soccer is considered the most popular sport for children and adults around the world. Athletes are able to improve their overall physical fitness through training and competition.

Snowboarding: 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.

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.

Softball: Softball is an exciting team sport in Special Olympics. Athletes play slow-pitch Softball, which involves two teams of 10 athletes each.

Tennis: Special Olympics Tennis gives athletes the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of skills that can be played throughout life.

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 the volleyball.

2012 STATE SUMMER GAMES

The State Summer Games are the largest of more than 20 competitions Special Olympics New Hampshire holds each year! Join hundreds of volunteers, coaches and Local Programs in cheering on our athletes as they compete May 31st - June 2nd at UNH in Durham. Learn more about the event here.