World Competitions

Alternating between summer and winter, the Special Olympics World Games are one of the world's largest sporting events, drawing as many if not more athletes than the Olympics. Every two years since 1968, athletes from more than 100 nations have gathered to celebrate sport and showcase the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. This prominent world stage brings attention to the Special Olympics movement and helps create positive, sometimes lifesaving policy change for people with intellectual disabilities in countries around the world.

The 1st International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on July 19-20, 1968. One thousand individuals with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competed in track and field and swimming. Six young men who were residents of Laconia State School traveled with two Recreation Department staff members to Chicago to participate in the event. Since that first event athletes from New Hampshire have represented the state in every Special Olympics World Summer and World Winter Games.

Most recent participation has included:

• In February 2005, six athletes, one coach, one technical delegate, and one Law Enforcement Torch Runner from New Hampshire represented the United States at the 2005 World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
• In October of 2007 two SONH athletes, two basketball officials, and a Law Enforcement Torch Runner from New Hampshire represented the United States at the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai, China.
• In February 2009, four athletes and two coaches from New Hampshire represented the United States at the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho.
• In June 2011, two athletes, and two coaches will represent the United States at the World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Additionally, two officials and one Law Enforcement Torch Runner from New Hampshire will particpate in the World Games as well.
• The 2013 World Winter Games will be held in Pyeongchang, Korea.