In New Jersey, athletes participate in:

Competition Offerings

Special Olympics Inc. has approved twenty-four Olympic sports for participation by individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics New Jersey offers twenty-three (including Motor Activities) of the twenty-four as Chapter-level competitions.

Special Olympics New Jersey conducts four major events annually:

Sectional and Area competitions are conducted for qualification for advancement.

Levels of Competition

Athletes advance to higher levels of competition as described below through criteria established by the previous level of competition in accordance with Special Olympics policies and procedures.

Area Events

Area events are where the majority of athletes will compete throughout the year. Area events are to be conducted according to Official Special Olympics Rules and Board policies. Competition must be conducted according to the Special Olympics Sports Rules (revised 2002-2003) and the National Governing Bodies.

Invitational Events

Invitational events may be conducted to include two or more Local Training Programs or Areas. These events do not qualify athletes for advancement in their sport, but simply serve as another competition opportunity.

Sectional Events

Sectional events will be conducted as qualifiers in order to meet the criteria for athletes to advance to Chapter level competition. Competition is conducted in compliance with Official Special Olympics Rules (revised 1994-1998, 1996-2000).

Chapter Events

Chapter events showcase the skills and accomplishments of the Special Olympics athletes, and, therefore, athletes must be well-trained. Chapter Competition is conducted according to the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules Books (revised 2002-2003) and the National Governing Body Sports Rules. New Jersey offers competition in 23 sports.

World Games

World Games (formerly called International Games) are offered every two years on an alternating Winter Games and Summer Games basis. The next World Summer Games will be in 2007, 2011, etc., and World Winter Games in 2005, 2009, etc. The United States Chapter (states) are represented as TEAM USA.

Competition Calendar