There are elements of power and finesse which athletes must possess in order to play table tennis. Since its first introduction at the 1987 Special Olympics World Games where 12 athletes competed in the table tennis competition, participation in the sport has grown tremendously. Last year, for example, over 170 athletes competed in table tennis at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in New Haven Connecticut. Today, approximately 50 countries worldwide now have programs in Special Olympics Table Tennis. Special Olympics offers several competition options for table tennis.
Athletes can compete in singles or doubles.
Special Olympics also offers a Unified Sports competition opportunity. For athletes with lower ability, there is individual skills competition which includes events such as the target serve or the return shot. The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules govern all Special Olympics Table Tennis. ITTF rules are employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules apply.