They train and practice hard. Through training, athletes acquire specific sports skills such as shooting a basketball, throwing a shot put, or skiing.
People are sometimes surprised at the athletic abilities of our athletes.
Nathan Barton of Monroe trains and competes in powerlifting. He can deadlift 142 kilograms. Cross-country skier, David Stinton of Hartford, takes a 3K race right in stride. With our motor activities training program, Special Olympics Michigan also accommodates athletes who aren't ready for higher levels of competition or who have multiple disabilities. To give each athlete a chance to win, Special Olympics competitions use divisioning.