Special Olympics Marion is a volunteer driven non-profit charitable organization begun in 1972.  Special Olympics Marion provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports to over 500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Update: Golf is in full swing! Check out the practice dates and the information of the upcoming competitions. Also the 3rd Annual Golf Fundraiser is up and going, look for more information on the fundraising page! Hungry? Go out to eat at Chili's and help support Special Olympics. Check it out on the fundraising link!
 

What We Do

Through successful sports training and competition, Special Olympics athletes develop physically, socially and psychologically. The positive experiences that athletes have in ongoing Special Olympics programs builds confidence and improves self image and self esteem which carries over into all aspects of their lives.  Setting and achieving goals is a basic fundamental of Special Olympics Marion. Currently, there are over 500 athletes registered with Special Olympics Marion.  This population is representative of athletes from throughout Marion County.  Athletes range in age from 8 to 70 years old.

Sports Offered

There are two major seasons to the year round sports program with additional tournament / championship type sports programs.

Major Season: Fall Classic:  Bowling, Powerlifting

Summer Season: Summer Games: Bocce, Cycling, Track & Field, Volleyball, SUP

Tournaments / Championships:  Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Aquatics and Flag Football

Marion County Summer Games are our biggest event each year.  The games are usually held during mid February through early March.  It is a four day event. Three days are for registered athletes that are enrolled in Marion County Public Schools, and one day is for adult registered athletes.  Each day of competition is conducted through the assistance of approximately 150 volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the contact us page.

Registration & Training

Special Olympics Marion is founded on the philosophy that quality training is crucial to success in sports.  Comprehensive year-round training and competition is available to every registered athlete whenever and wherever volunteers can provide their knowledge, time and caring.  An athlete's registration in Special Olympics is valid for three years.  Once expired, registration can be renewed by completion of appropriate Special Olympics Florida paper work and a physical examination.  Physical examinations have been provided yearly through a generous donation of services by the Marion County Medical Society and Medical Society Alliance.