Sports - Select a sport for more info >>
Athletes from Special Olympics-Westmoreland County compete in sports at the local regional and state level. Training is provided for each sport, either by the athletes school, community or social organization or by our Management Team. After the county events, our athletes also travel around the state to compete in regional and state events sponsored by Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Additionally, Westmoreland County athletes have competed at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia and the Special Olympics World Games. Not only are athletic skills gained, but life skills are also learned through overnight and weekend trips. Also, friendships are nurtured at all events.
Alpine Skiing
Athletes compete in downhill and slalom events on an individual basis against competitors of their own age and ability. Ability levels are determined by the Competition Committee from prior competitions and observed practice sessions. Awards are presented on a first through sixth place basis.
Following the County Level competition, the top athletes from Westmoreland County are then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Winter Games.
Following the County Level competition, the top athletes from Westmoreland County are then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Winter Games.
Typical Event Attendance
Athletes: 250 Organizations: 10 Coaches: 15 Volunteers: 200
Athletes: 250 Organizations: 10 Coaches: 15 Volunteers: 200
Nordic Skiing
Athletes compete in Cross-Country skiing races of various distances on an individual basis against competitors of their own age and ability levels. Ability levels are determined by the Competition Committee from prior competitions and observed practice sessions. Awards are presented on a first through sixth place basis.
Following the County Level competition, the top athletes from Westmoreland County are then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Winter Games.
Following the County Level competition, the top athletes from Westmoreland County are then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Winter Games.
Typical Event Attendance
Athletes: 200 Organizations: 12 Coaches: 30 Volunteers: 125
Athletes: 200 Organizations: 12 Coaches: 30 Volunteers: 125
Basketball
Athletes compete in regulation basketball using the team format basis against teams of their own age and ability levels. Ability levels are determined by the Competition Committee from prior competitions and observed practice sessions. Awards are presented on a first through sixth place basis.
Following the County Level competition, the top team from Westmoreland County is then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Basketball Tournament and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games.
Following the County Level competition, the top team from Westmoreland County is then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Basketball Tournament and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games.
Typical Event Attendance
Athletes: 40 Organizations: 4 Coaches: 8 Volunteers: 50
Athletes: 40 Organizations: 4 Coaches: 8 Volunteers: 50
Bocce
Athletes are taught the fundamentals of the game. They learn and develop game stratagy skills during training. Athletes can enter to play competitively at a county or state meet when qualified.
Bocce (or Bocci, or Boccie) is a precision sport belonging to the boules sport family, closely related to bowls and pétanque with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire. It is Italian bowling played on a long, narrow dirt court.
Bocce (or Bocci, or Boccie) is a precision sport belonging to the boules sport family, closely related to bowls and pétanque with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire. It is Italian bowling played on a long, narrow dirt court.
Bowling
The bowling competition has grown into the largest event, by athlete participation, that Special Olympics Westmoreland County conducts. More than 350 bowlers compete each year in two sessions held in one day. Athletes compete in groups based on reported bowling averages for each athlete in order to assure equal competition.
Each athlete bowls two games during the competition and combined scores are used to determine the places of each individual bowling lane group. Awards are given for first thru sixth place based on the total scores.
More than 125 volunteers also participate in the bowling tournament serving as lane monitors and award presenters.
Following the County competition, approximately 50 athletes are selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Bowling Tournament held in Pittsburgh in April of each year, from which athletes are selected to compete at the State Summer Games held at Penn State University in June.
Hillview Lanes in Greensburg, under the direction of Carl Marinelli & Karen Shively, provide the facilities free of charge for the bowling tournament.
Each athlete bowls two games during the competition and combined scores are used to determine the places of each individual bowling lane group. Awards are given for first thru sixth place based on the total scores.
More than 125 volunteers also participate in the bowling tournament serving as lane monitors and award presenters.
Following the County competition, approximately 50 athletes are selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Bowling Tournament held in Pittsburgh in April of each year, from which athletes are selected to compete at the State Summer Games held at Penn State University in June.
Hillview Lanes in Greensburg, under the direction of Carl Marinelli & Karen Shively, provide the facilities free of charge for the bowling tournament.
Cycling
Cycling began as a full training and competitive sport in Westmoreland County in May 2000. Our goal was to establish a sport that the athletes could not only enjoy through-out the summer but also could get involved in the camaraderie of a TEAM by training as a group on a regular basis.
By participating in cycling, the athletes are learning a sport that they can not only compete in, but also one that they can enjoy when spending time with their family and friends at home or on vacation.
Today, cycling is one of the fastest growing activities people participate in. Estimates are that more than 99 million Americans are active in cycling. Except for the cost of a bicycle, it is a relatively inexpensive activity to enjoy day to day. With the increase in riding trails in the area, the availability of safe riding courses is on the rise.
Special Olympics cyclists tone muscles and strengthen their cardiovascular system. Cycling is also an enjoyable leisure activity that offers relaxation and provides an inexpensive form of transportation.
But more than that, cycling is an activity that the athlete's family can participate in. We encourage all of the athletes families to join us in our training sessions. Family bonds can be strengthened while the athletes continue to train and improve their cycling skills, both at Special Olympics and at home. The athletes and their families can also participate in cycling events, such as fun runs and benefit rides.
Equipment
Our fleet of bicycles include twenty-two standard mountain bikes, four mountain bikes with adult stabilizers and nine adult three-wheel bicycles. For team safety, all of our coaches carry two-way radios for on-the-trail communications as well as first-aid kits.
We can also train when it rains by setting up, in our training facility, our four trainers that convert a standard bicycle into a stationary bicycle. Cycling helmets are required to be worn by all riders, both athletes and coaches. All of the equipment is provided free of charge to all members of the cycling team, including all volunteers
Competitions
Competitions are held in 100, 200 and 500 meter individually timed events. Because of the width of the trail and with safety being the most important aspect of all competitions, athletes race against the clock, rather than other athletes. Individual times are then compared within age and ability groups to determine placement. Medals are awarded for first, second and third place showings.
By participating in cycling, the athletes are learning a sport that they can not only compete in, but also one that they can enjoy when spending time with their family and friends at home or on vacation.
Today, cycling is one of the fastest growing activities people participate in. Estimates are that more than 99 million Americans are active in cycling. Except for the cost of a bicycle, it is a relatively inexpensive activity to enjoy day to day. With the increase in riding trails in the area, the availability of safe riding courses is on the rise.
Special Olympics cyclists tone muscles and strengthen their cardiovascular system. Cycling is also an enjoyable leisure activity that offers relaxation and provides an inexpensive form of transportation.
But more than that, cycling is an activity that the athlete's family can participate in. We encourage all of the athletes families to join us in our training sessions. Family bonds can be strengthened while the athletes continue to train and improve their cycling skills, both at Special Olympics and at home. The athletes and their families can also participate in cycling events, such as fun runs and benefit rides.
Equipment
Our fleet of bicycles include twenty-two standard mountain bikes, four mountain bikes with adult stabilizers and nine adult three-wheel bicycles. For team safety, all of our coaches carry two-way radios for on-the-trail communications as well as first-aid kits.
We can also train when it rains by setting up, in our training facility, our four trainers that convert a standard bicycle into a stationary bicycle. Cycling helmets are required to be worn by all riders, both athletes and coaches. All of the equipment is provided free of charge to all members of the cycling team, including all volunteers
Competitions
Competitions are held in 100, 200 and 500 meter individually timed events. Because of the width of the trail and with safety being the most important aspect of all competitions, athletes race against the clock, rather than other athletes. Individual times are then compared within age and ability groups to determine placement. Medals are awarded for first, second and third place showings.
Golf
The athlete's golf tournament is held each year on an executive type course which challenges the golfers without making it to demanding.
Approximately 50 golfers compete and are placed in groups according to ability. Prior scores for each golfer are recorded by the Competition committee.
Athletes compete on the course using regulation clubs, balls and tees and scores are recorded based on actual strokes used. For athletes who have not completed their training in golf, a skills competition is held that includes putting for accuracy, chipping for accuracy, chipping technique and driving.
Athletes from Westmoreland County are then selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games at Penn State University in June of each year. There they compete in golf against athletes from across Pennsylvania.
Luke's Links at Norvelt Golf Course provided golf facilities free of charge each year.
Athletes compete on the course using regulation clubs, balls and tees and scores are recorded based on actual strokes used. For athletes who have not completed their training in golf, a skills competition is held that includes putting for accuracy, chipping for accuracy, chipping technique and driving.
Athletes from Westmoreland County are then selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games at Penn State University in June of each year. There they compete in golf against athletes from across Pennsylvania.
Luke's Links at Norvelt Golf Course provided golf facilities free of charge each year.
Softball
Athletes compete on a team format basis against athletes of their own age and ability levels in a tournament format. Ability levels are determined by the Competition Committee from prior competitions. Awards are presented on a first through sixth place basis.
Following the County Level competition, the top team from Westmoreland County is then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Softball Tournament and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games.
Following the County Level competition, the top team from Westmoreland County is then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Softball Tournament and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games.
Typical Event Attendance
Athletes: 50 Organizations: 4 Coaches: 10 Volunteers: 50
Athletes: 50 Organizations: 4 Coaches: 10 Volunteers: 50
Swimming
More than 150 athletes compete in the annual swim meet, held each year at the Greensburg Y.M.C.A. Athletes compete in individual as well as team relay races against other athletes with similar ability in specified age brackets.
More than 70 races are held in thirteen different categories separated by male and female. These events include:
The athletes train in swimming with their schools or organizations beginning in September. Race times are recorded during these training sessions and submitted to Special Olympics for placing the athletes in the appropriate groups.
Following the County competition, approximately 25 athletes are selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games held at Penn State University in June of each year. The athletes compete against other athletes, again in their age and ability brackets, from across Pennsylvania.
The Greensburg Y.M.C.A. each year provides at no charge, full use of their facilities for the swim meet.
More than 70 races are held in thirteen different categories separated by male and female. These events include:
- 25 yard freestyle
- 50 yard freestyle
- 100 yard freestyle
- 200 yard freestyle
- 100 yard individual medley
- 100 yard freestyle relay
- 200 yard freestyle relay
- 25 yard butterfly
- 25 yard backstroke
- 50 yard backstroke
- 25 yard breaststroke
- 50 yard breaststroke
- 100 yard medley relay
The athletes train in swimming with their schools or organizations beginning in September. Race times are recorded during these training sessions and submitted to Special Olympics for placing the athletes in the appropriate groups.
Following the County competition, approximately 25 athletes are selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games held at Penn State University in June of each year. The athletes compete against other athletes, again in their age and ability brackets, from across Pennsylvania.
The Greensburg Y.M.C.A. each year provides at no charge, full use of their facilities for the swim meet.
Track
The annual track and field meet is the second largest event held by Special Olympics Westmoreland County with over 300 athletes competing annually. The day is made into a fun event for everyone with games and entertainment mixed inwith the competitions held in twelve different events.
These events include:
Over 400 volunteers attend the track and field meet as coaches, timers, lane officials, scorers and athlete "buddies". Each buddy is given an athlete for the event and escorts the athlete to each of their events while having fun at each of the special events held during the day.
Following the County competition, approximately 40 athletes are selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games held at Penn State University in June of each year, which is the largest single athletic competition held in the state of Pennsylvania each year.
As in all Special Olympics competitions, awards are given to all competitors in each heat of each event. Medals are given for first thru third place and ribbons given for fourth thru sixth.
Special Olympics Westmoreland County also participates in the Healthy Athletes initiative providing dental exams and other interactive exhibits on living a healthy life style. These health tests are provided to any registered athlete free of charge, whether or not they compete in the track and field meet. The Healthy Athletes initiative is just another way that we are committed to providing the best for our athletes.
These events include:
- 50 meter run
- 100 meter run
- 200 meter run
- 400 meter run
- 25 meter wheelchair
- 35 meter wheelchair
- running long jump
- standing long jump
- softball throw
- high jump
- shotput pentathlon
Over 400 volunteers attend the track and field meet as coaches, timers, lane officials, scorers and athlete "buddies". Each buddy is given an athlete for the event and escorts the athlete to each of their events while having fun at each of the special events held during the day.
Following the County competition, approximately 40 athletes are selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games held at Penn State University in June of each year, which is the largest single athletic competition held in the state of Pennsylvania each year.
As in all Special Olympics competitions, awards are given to all competitors in each heat of each event. Medals are given for first thru third place and ribbons given for fourth thru sixth.
Special Olympics Westmoreland County also participates in the Healthy Athletes initiative providing dental exams and other interactive exhibits on living a healthy life style. These health tests are provided to any registered athlete free of charge, whether or not they compete in the track and field meet. The Healthy Athletes initiative is just another way that we are committed to providing the best for our athletes.
Volleyball
Athletes compete on a team basis against athletes of their own age and ability. Ability levels are determined by the Competition Committee from prior competitions. Awards are presented on a first through sixth place basis.
Following the County Level competition, the top team from Westmoreland County are then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Volleyball Tournament and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games.
Following the County Level competition, the top team from Westmoreland County are then selected by the Competition Committee to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Volleyball Tournament and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games.
Typical Event Attendance
Athletes: 30 Organizations: 3 Coaches: 7 Volunteers: 40
Athletes: 30 Organizations: 3 Coaches: 7 Volunteers: 40
Policy & Rules
SPORTSMANSHIP - The rules of good sportsmanship by all athletes, coaches, and volunteers must be strictly adhered to.
MEDICALS - ALL athletes must have completed medical forms, signed by their physician, on file with the Management Team, before they can participate in any competition or training program.
BACKGROUND CHECKS - All Management Team members and any volunteer, other than single day event volunteers, are required to have a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check on file with the Management Team.
EVENT FEES - There is never a charge to attend a Special Olympics event. Additionally, there will never be fees assessed to athletes or their families to compete in any local, regional, or state event.
MEDICALS - ALL athletes must have completed medical forms, signed by their physician, on file with the Management Team, before they can participate in any competition or training program.
BACKGROUND CHECKS - All Management Team members and any volunteer, other than single day event volunteers, are required to have a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check on file with the Management Team.
EVENT FEES - There is never a charge to attend a Special Olympics event. Additionally, there will never be fees assessed to athletes or their families to compete in any local, regional, or state event.
Athlete Eligibility
To be eligible for participation in Special Olympics, a competitor must agree to observe and abide by the
Official Olympics Rules. Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with mental retardation the opportunity to compete in sports activities.
No person shall on the grounds of sex, race, religion, color or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any programs or activity of Special Olympics.
Persons are eligible for the Special Olympics who:
No person shall on the grounds of sex, race, religion, color or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any programs or activity of Special Olympics.
Persons are eligible for the Special Olympics who:
- Are 8 years of age or older
- Have been identified by an agency or professional as having a mental handicap
- Have a cognitive delay as determined by standard measures
- Have a significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay, which require or have required specially-designed instruction
- in personal relationships