Special Olympics - South East Hampshire

Special Olympics began in Great Britain in 1978 as part of the global Special Olympics Movement founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver -sister to US President John F Kennedy. Today, Special Olympics supports over 4 million athletes in 200 countries worldwide.

The Movement is founded on the belief that all people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, enjoy and benefit from sport. The value of sport lies in its ability to instil self-confidence and self-belief and is a gateway to personal development, empowerment and acceptance.

Special Olympics South East Hampshire offer a variety of sports including:

• Fitness and circuit training
• Athletics
• Sailing
• Gymnastics and Boccia

Special Olympics take part in regional competitions throughout the year

Training nights in the Portsmouth area are:

Winter -

• Day: Monday
• Time: 6pm -7pm
• Venue: Cowplain School

Summer -

• Day: Monday
• Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm
• Venue: Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth

Every 4 years, they participate with the Regional team in the National Summer Games which then qualifies our athletes to compete in the European and World Games.

Special Olympics Great Britain is the country’s largest provider of a year-round coaching and competition programme for all people with intellectual (learning) disabilities. They have a network of clubs across England, Scotland and Wales which provides a coaching programme for all levels of ability including those with profound and multiple disabilities.

Special Olympics offer 26 sports ranging from:

• Athletics
• Swimming and football to equestrian
• Judo and figure skating.

The training is carried out by qualified coaches and a dedicated army of volunteers within local communities on a daily basis.

For Special Olympics athletes, the training never stops and the benefits last a lifetime.

Membership qualification for participation in Special Olympics by completing a registration form and provide proof of an Intellectual Disability.