|
|
|
Sports That Mobile County Offers
Aquatics
Because of the
wide array of swimming
events offered, aquatics
is appropriate for a
range of ages and
ability levels. Aquatics
competition events are
based on a variety of
strokes. Special
Olympics also offers
events for lower ability
level athletes to train
and compete in basic
aquatics skills. The
development of these key
skills is necessary
prior to advancing to
longer competitive
events.
Athletics
Athletics events offer a wide
range, from the 100 meters and
hurdle events to the marathon,
from the high jump to the long
jump, shot put, relays and
wheelchair events.
In addition, Special Olympics
offers events for lower ability
level athletes to train and
compete in basic athletics
skills. The development of these
key skills is necessary prior to
advancing to longer competitive
events.
Bowling
Bowling is one of the fastest
growing Special Olympics sports.
Although there are some
modifications made for athletes
with physical disabilities, most
athletes compete under the same
rules and circumstances as
athletes on a professional tour.
In addition to offering
traditional singles and doubles
events, Special Olympics offers
events for athletes with low
ability levels to train and
compete in basic bowling skills.
The development of these key
skills is necessary prior to
advancing to match play.
Basketball
Basketball is a favorite among Special Olympics athletes. In addition to team
competition, Special Olympics Basketball also offers individual skills
competition, which allows athletes to train and compete in basic basketball
skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to
team play. These events include target pass, ten-meter dribble and spot shot. A
player's final score is determined by adding the scores together achieved in
each of the events.
Bocce
Bocce is a game of skill and strategy. The object is for one team to get as
many of their balls (boccia) closer to the pallina (the smallest ball) than the
opposing team's closest ball.
There may be anywhere from two to four to eight players on a team. Each
player is given two balls. Each player must then take turns rolling (lagging)
the ball toward the pallina ball (also known as the jack, cue, beebee etc.),
which has already been thrown onto the field. The players are given points for
the balls rolled closest to the pallina ball. Players may also throw on the fly
(volo), striking the ball to move the point ball. Balls, including the pallina,
may also be displaced by the balls of other players.
Bowling
Bowling is one of the fastest growing Special Olympics sports. Although there
are some modifications made for athletes with physical disabilities, most
athletes compete under the same rules and circumstances as athletes on a
professional tour.
In addition to offering traditional singles and doubles events, Special
Olympics offers events for athletes with low ability levels to train and compete
in basic bowling skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior
to advancing to match play.
Golf
Like most golfers, Special Olympics athletes are driven by the opportunity to
compete. Program planning is designed to develop individual golf skills that
enhance performance, allowing the athlete to achieve success in playing the
game. Both on the practice area and on the course, Special Olympics athletes
participating in golf have gained the respect of their golf peers.
Gymnastics
Special Olympics Gymnastics combines strength, flexibility and artistry.
Competitions are offered for men in the artistic events and women in artistic
and rhythmic events. Male and female gymnasts may compete in all events offered
(All Around) or may be specialists, competing in one, two, or more (but not all)
events
Powerlifting
Special Olympics Powerlifting is about much more than squats, bench presses
and deadlifts. It is about barriers, perseverance and success. Training,
determination and attitude determine the fine line between success and failure.
The bar may test an athlete's physical abilities, but an internal desire to
improve — to not settle for less — is the drive behind the strain and dedication
of the sport. Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in three
lifts: the bench press, the deadlift and the squat, or in combinations.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition
divisions according to ability level, age and gender. Note that Special Olympics
athletes must be 16 years of age before competing in powerlifting.
Sailing
Speed, strength and smarts are three essential keys to unlocking success in
any sport, and Special Olympics sailing is no different. The best sailors
develop all three aspects of their racing to their fullest potential.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is very similar
to athletics and shares the same
excellent cardiovascular workout
as cross country skiing. Special
Olympics Snowshoeing offers
events for athletes of every
ability level. Individual events
offered in snowshoeing range
from the 100 meter races to the
5K. In addition to these
traditional events, Special
Olympics offers events for lower
ability level athletes to train
and compete in basic snowshoeing
skills. The development of these
key skills is necessary prior to
advancing to longer competitive
events.
Softball
Softball is an exciting team
sport in Special Olympics.
Athletes play slow-pitch
Softball, which involves two
teams of 10 athletes each.
Special Olympics offers
individual skills competition to
allow athletes to train and
compete in basic softball
skills. The development of these
key skills is necessary prior to
advancing to team competition.
These skills include base
running, fielding and throwing.
A player's final score is
determined by adding together
the scores achieved in each of
the events.
Please click here if you are
interested in receiving more
information on any of these
sports.
|
