There are 20 official Special Olympics Sports offered in Texas. These teams practice and compete together against other teams of the same composition, or can compete on city or intramural leagues. This is truly an opportunity for everyone to get involved. The Special Olympics' individual skills contest is a program designed for lower-ability athletes or for those individuals with physical limitations. The purpose of each event is to develop and measure an athlete's skill in the particular task that is required to progress to the team sport.
Emphasis is on training and participation rather than competition.
The program is set up so that people with severe disabilities can participate in appropriate recreational activities geared to their ability level. This training and participation is typically done on site and introduces individuals to age and functionally appropriate motor and sports activities. These programs provide training and support for athletes who want to explore and expand their participation in Special Olympics both on and off the field of competition.