Track & field encourages athletes of all abilities and ages to compete at their optimum level. Through this sport, participants can develop total fitness to compete in any sport. Track & field offers athletes the opportunity to learn through skill development and competitive settings and to be involved in large social settings.

Participants will be divisioned by Special Olympics Minnesota based on ability level and age to give them a competitive experience.

This sport offers a Unified option. This gives individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities a chance to compete on the same team.

Competition season

Track & field competitions run May through June.

Events

Track events

25 and 50 Meter – Dash and Walk
100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500 Meter – Run and Walk
4 x 100 Traditional and Unified Relays

The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels:
10 Meter Walk – Device or Physical Assistance
25 Meter Walk – Device or Physical Assistance
25 Meter Dash – Physical Assistance
50 Meter Walk – Device or Physical Assistance
50 Meter Dash – Physical Assistance

Multi-events

Pentathlon (100 Meter Run, Running Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, 400 Meter Run)

Field events

High Jump
Running Long Jump (1 Meter minimum)
Shot Put

The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels:
Tennis Ball Throw (15 Meter maximum)
Softball Throw (15 Meter maximum)
Standing Long Jump

Wheelchair events

10 Meter Wheelchair
25, 50 and 100 Meter Wheelchair and Motorized Wheelchair
25 Meter Motorized Wheelchair Obstacle
30 and 50 Meter Wheelchair Slalom
30 and 50 Meter Motorized Slalom

Become a coach!

All coaches and Unified partners who work with our athletes need to be Level 1 certified. We also offer additional trainings (Level 2) for each sport for coaches that want more sport-specific education. These trainings can be found through the Special Olympics Registration Portal, where you can begin your journey or, if you’re a current coach and/or Unified partner, update your certifications.

Coaching resources