Swimming, also known as aquatics, is one of the most popular sports in the world. Aquatics covers a great variety of swimming skills, from short sprints to longer events and relays.

Special Olympics swimming is a summer sport where athletes train and compete from January through June.

Swimming Guidelines

Available Events and Distances

Athletes may compete in two (2) individual events: 

  • Butterfly – 25M, 50M, 100M
  • Freestyle – 25M, 50M, 100M, 200M, 400M
  • Backstroke – 25M, 50M, 100M
  • Breaststroke – 25M, 50M, 100M
  • IM – 100M, 200M

2020 Sectional Competitions

  • There will be no Sectional competition for 2021.

2020 State Competition

  • Competition will be remote this year.  Programs will swim at their home pool and submit official times for divisions and medals.

Participation Information

  • All sessions must align with the current SONJ RTA guidelines.
  • Masks MUST be worn when on the pool deck and only remove when entering the pool.  Coaches, volunteers, and spectators must wear a mask at all times.
  • No equipment should be shared between athletes and must be sanitized between athlete use.
  • Refer to the “Swimming Guidelines” at the top of the page for more information.

Criteria for Advancement

  • There will be no sectional competition.
  • Programs will swim at their home pool and submit official times for divisions and medals.

General Guidelines

  • No more than fifty (50) total individuals at a venue at one time.
    • This includes athletes, partners, coaches, volunteers, and spectators.
    • No more than three (3) athletes per lane.
  • While at the venue, ensure all participants practice social distancing and maximum group number limitations as outlined in the current RTA plan.
  • Programs must use as few volunteers as possible for training/practice. Spectators are discouraged to attend training/practices.
  • Athletes must provide their own swimwear, bathing cap and goggles.

Event Calendar

LTP Registration

Swimming Resources

2019 Summer Games Results

Use the button below to download results from the 2019 Summer Games held June 7-9 2019 at The College of New Jersey.

Results by Athlete 

Sports Registration Checklist

Read through and complete this checklist of to-dos before signing up for a local program.