What is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics is an international movement that creates sports opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. It aims to build athletes’ skills and confidence in a fun and inclusive environment.  

While the main focus is on the athletes, the Special Olympics community also encourages and provides options for family, friends, and support people to take part.  

Over 170 countries have Special Olympics programmes and competitions, with over 30 sports ranging from athletics and golf, to ten pin bowling and skiing.  

Special Olympics focuses on inclusion and participation. Even though the word ‘Olympics’ is in the name, Special Olympics isn’t about elite competition. It’s about providing all athletes who have an intellectual disability the opportunity to enjoy sport and strive to be their best in the way that works for them. 

Everyone who works in Special Olympics is focused on supporting and celebrating what the athletes can do, not what they can’t do.   

Special Olympics New Zealand 

Special Olympics New Zealand runs events and programmes for adults and children every month of the year!  We have 42 regional Special Olympics clubs active in Aotearoa, from the Bay of Islands down to Southland.  

Clubs hold local and regional competitions throughout the year and then come together for the National Summer Games and National Winter Games every four years.  

Special Olympics New Zealand also has an in-school programme where staff support teachers to successfully deliver adapted sport and physical activity sessions with students who have intellectual disabilities.   

How old do you have to be to participate in Special Olympics in New Zealand? 

• There is a Young Athletes programme for kids aged 2 to 10. This involves activities focusing on building fundamental movement skills and confidence. Skills like kicking, throwing, catching, and hand-eye co-ordination are involved. Young Athletes helps kids develop their motor skills so they’re ready to participate in Special Olympics sports when they’re older. Visit the Special Olympics website for more information about the Young Athletes programme.  

• You need to be at least 8 years old to participate in the full Special Olympics club training and competitions. 

• There is no maximum age. If you want to kick a football or swing a golf club, then get involved! 

What is the difference between Special Olympics and the Paralympics?  

You may have heard of the Paralympics on seen them on television - they’re held shortly after the Olympics. While both the Special Olympics and Paralympics are for athletes with disabilities, there are some key differences. 

• Special Olympics is for athletes with intellectual disabilities, while the Paralympics includes athletes with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and intellectual disabilities.  

• The Paralympics has a strong emphasis on elite competition, while Special Olympics is all about inclusion, participation, and personal achievement. 

• Special Olympics competitions are open to anyone with an intellectual disability – all ability levels are welcome and, everyone can participate. The Paralympics is very competitive, with only the best of the best qualifying.