The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will see a remarkable 6,500 athletes from over 165 nations competing in Los Angeles. Starting on Saturday, they will be taking part in 25 sports, many distinct from those played in the Summer Olympics. Here are some of the Games' unique sports and takes on classics.
Bocce
An Italian game closely related to boules, it has been played at the Special Olympics World Games since 1991. The aim of the game is to roll a bocce ball as closely as possible to a target ball, or pallino, with the team landing closest winning. This accessible and engaging game is highly popular in Special Olympics communities globally, with a 2011 estimate putting participants at over 200,000 athletes. Singles, doubles and team events will be held at LA 2015.
Soccer
The global game has been a fixture of the Special Olympics since 1986. As well as a traditional 11-a-side game following FIFA rules, 5-a-side and 7-a-side games are also played with the standard adjustments to rules, including the removal of the offside rule.
Athletics
A central part of the Games since their foundation in 1968, Special Olympics athletics offers a diverse range of events to cater for athletes’ different abilities. As well as classic events such as shot put, relay and the 100 metres, you’ll also find 10, 25 and 50 metre track events for running, walking and wheelchair. Additionally, you’ll find high jump events with a modified height.
Softball
Removed from the Summer Olympics for the London and Rio, softball is still played as part of the Special Olympics. Though very close to baseball in its rules and plays, softball has several differences. Softball uses a larger ball, has underhand pitching rather than overhand, and at the Special Olympics allows different pitching distances for each pitcher.
Roller Skating
Revealed to be in consideration for the 2020 Summer Olympics, roller skating was established at the Special Olympics in 1987. An extensive list of events includes 100 metre, 1,000 metre and 4 x100 metre relay races.
Bowling
Ten-pin bowling is a very popular sport in Special Olympics communities, known as a sociable and welcoming sport in line with the ethos of the Games. Singles, doubles and team events will be contested at LA 2015, with ramps available for athletes.
Unified Sports
Many of the team sports played at LA 2015, including soccer, basketball and volleyball, will have “Unified” events as well as their main events. Unified Sports joins athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams. Around half a million people take part in Unified Sports globally, all working to tackle prejudice and build welcoming communities for those with intellectual disabilities.
