Sports are at the core of Special Olympics Minnesota’s mission. Every year, hundreds of practices, competitions and events are hosted throughout the state.
Recreational Sports
Recreational sports are sports and games that go beyond the organization’s 17 traditional sports. The benefit of recreational sports is that teams can support fitness and social opportunities with activities that appeal and cater directly to the interest of its athletes. From dance to fishing to BMX biking to cornhole, recreational sports are fun, casual and accessible!
Invitationals
Invitational competitions are competitions organized locally by teams and delegations. Invitationals can feature Special Olympics’ traditional sports like basketball, bocce, flag football, or teams can get creative and host invitationals for recreational sports. Unlike regional and state competitions that are run and hosted by the state office, invitationals are generally organized and hosted by teams and delegations.
Regional Competitions
Regional Competitions give teams the opportunity to compete in a state office-run competition. Regional competitions will feature high quality competitions run by a state office team member, awards, and FANstop merchandise (depending on availability).
State Competitions
- State Winter Games (Alpine, Snowboarding, Snowshoe) – February
- State Poly Hockey – March
- State Powerlifting – March
- Summer Games (Gymnastics, Swimming, Basketball, Track & Field) – June
- Summer Sports Classic (Softball, Bocce) – August
- State Tennis – August
- State Equestrian – August
- State Golf – August
- State Flag Football – October
- State Bowling – November
USA Games
USA Games are held every four years. Each United States program sends a delegation to represent their state.
World Games
World Games are held every two years and alternate between Summer and Winter Games. Athletes from the United States programs unite as one delegation to form Team USA.