Sports Offered
SOPA offers competition in the following sports (Click on the sport's name for more information):
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In addition, SOPA offers Unified Sports®, which combines approximately equal numbers of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to form sports teams for training and competition. The Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) provides comprehensive motor activity and recreational training for people with severe intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities.
Training
As noted in our mission statement, Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA)
offers year-round sports training. Training is the essential element of
Special Olympics. Our athletes are well-prepared physically and psychologically
before they enter competitions by completing the mandatory eight weeks
of training prior to competing. Cross-training has become increasingly popular among our athletes and
coaches. Many of our athletes compete in a different sport every season
-- an athlete who plays soccer in the fall often competes in basketball
in the winter and plays softball in the summer. All training is offered
free of charge to our athletes and their families.
Competition
Special Olympics competitions use a unique divisioning system based on
age, gender, and ability. By assigning athletes to divisions commensurate
with their ability, every athlete is given a reasonable chance to win. Athletes compete in competitions at the local level and also have the
opportunity to go on to sectional and state-level competitions.
Application for Athlete Participation in Special Olympics (Medical Form)
SOPA / SOYO Multi-Sports Training Camp
Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) and the Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations (SOYO) will hold a multi-sport training camp August 9 through August 15, 2009 at Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pennsylvania.
Multi-Sports Training Camp Information