Special Olympics

Special Olympics
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Special Olympics New Hanover County provides year-round training in 27 sports, local and regional invitational competitions, social events, recreation activities and more to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides opportunities for athletes to compete in inclusive and accessible activities while keeping programs safe for all.

More than 750 athletes participate in Special Olympics New Hanover County. The program relies on private and corporate support as well as the efforts of more than 400 volunteers to offer these programs at no cost to the athletes or their families. The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser helps fund all of these programs each year.

Sports

  • Basketball
  • Bocce
  • Bowling
  • Cheerleading
  • Cycling
  • Dance
  • Disc Golf
  • Equestrian
  • Flag Football
  • Floorball
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Kayaking
  • Kickball
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Pickleball
  • Powerlifting
  • Roller Skating
  • Skiing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Unified Sports
  • Volleyball
  • Young Athlete Sports

Interested in Special Olympics?

Do you have an athlete that would like to take part in Special Olympics programs?

Complete the athlete form

Interested in being a coach or volunteer?

Fill out the online interest form

Athlete Medical Form

The Athlete Participation Packet(PDF, 2MB) is required to participate in Special Olympics Programs. A guardian fills out pages 1-4. 

Once completed, email Sarah Johnson, or drop off at Skyline Center at 929 N. Front St., Wilmington.

Please note: This Participation Packet must be completed every year. 

Polar Plunge

View photos from the 2025 Plunge here.

2026 Plunge Information

Date: February 21, 2026

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Summer Recap Video (2025)

Fall Games

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Fall Games: October 17, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Available for those in Elementary, Middle, & High School)

For Athlete Registration, please click here.

For Volunteer Registration, please click here.

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Young Athlete Fall Games: October 24, 2025 from 9:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Available for those between the ages of 2 & 7)

For Athlete Registration, please click here.

For Volunteer Registration, please click here.

Halloween Dance

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For Athlete Registration, please click here.

For Volunteer Registration, please click here.

Support Our Champions: Become a Sponsor of Special Olympics New Hanover County

Event Sponsor

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Title Sponsors

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Gold sponsors

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Silver Sponsors

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Bronze Sponsors

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Contact

Brooke DeAmaral
Special Olympics Coordinator
910.341.7253
Email

 

Sarah Johnson
Special Olympics Specialist
910.341.7253
Email

 

Programming Photos

To view photos, please click here!

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