Special Olympics Delaware The mission of Special Olympics Delaware is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities giving them continued opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Special Olympics athletes train and compete in any of the 20 Olympic-type sports offered. Fall sports include soccer, equestrian, long distance walking/running, bocce, cycling, flag football and volleyball. Winter sports are bowling, ice skating, Nordic and alpine skiing, snowshoeing, basketball, power lifting. During the spring and summer, the sports include golf, aquatics, athletics (track and field), tennis, roller skating and softball. These programs are provided free of charge to all participants. Through Special Olympics, the athletes develop physical fitness; gain confidence in their own abilities and demonstrate courage through their perseverance to succeed. As athletes gain new skills on the playing field and they become more active and involved in sports, their health and fitness continues to benefit. The impact of Special Olympics extends beyond sports. It gives family members hope, optimism, stronger family connections, and a social network who understand their concerns and their joys.