Special Olympics

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 1000 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

Fall Games

Athletes will participate in a variety of events from soccer to volleyball to obstacle courses and more!

When: Friday, November 6th, check in starting at 9:00am

Where: Legion Stadium, 2149 Carolina Beach Road

Registration: Registration is mandatory! Register here.

Registration closes on November 1, 2026.

Volunteers are needed!

Halloween Dance

Athletes will walk through trick or treat tables as they enter and then dance the night away!

Date: Sunday, October 25th, 2026

Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Cost: Free

Place: MLK Center, 401 S. 8th Street

Registration: Registration is mandatory! Register here.

Registration closes October 22nd, 2026.

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 Form is required to be filled out each year by an athlete or their guardian. The system is fully online, first a guardian creates an account and then adds the athlete to their account.

Please reach out to registration@sonc.net with any technical difficulties or reach out with any questions. The paper form is no longer accepted as have moved to the fully online system.

Polar Plunge

Join thousands of people who will make a splash for Special Olympics by participating in our Polar Plunges taking place all over North Carolina. A Polar Plunge is a unique fundraising opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics NC by jumping or running into a cold body of water in the middle of winter. Find out more, here. View photos from the 2026 Plunge here.

2027 Plunge Information

Date: February 20, 2027