Aquatics

Aquatics is one of Special Olympics' original sports, and has been included in the Special Olympics World Games since 1968. Individual events are offered for all strokes, and relay events mirror those offered in other international swimming competitions.

Because it is easy to learn, aquatics is appropriate for a wide range of age and ability levels. Walking and flotation events are offered for athletes of lower ability. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are placed in divisions according to ability, age, and gender.

Athletes who participate in aquatics are able to improve their overall physical fitness through training and competition. In addition to improving their own skills, athletes also experience the benefits of being part of a team. This promotes communication, camaraderie and friendships.

Because of the wide array of swimming events offered, Aquatics is appropriate for a range of ages and ability levels. Aquatics competition events are based on a variety of strokes. Special Olympics also offers events for lower ability level athletes to train and compete in basic aquatics skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer competitive events. Special Olympics athletes also can participate in Unified Sports Aquatics relay events.

Aquatics Events

• Freestyle Events: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,500 metre
• Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly Events: 50, 100, and 200 metre
• Individual Medley Events: 200, and 400 metre
• Freestyle and Medley Relay Events: 4 x 25, 4 x 50, and 4 x 100 metre, 4 x 200 metre Freestyle Relay
• Unified Sports
• Freestye: 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 metre
• Medley: 4 x 25, 4 x 50 and 4 x 100 metre

The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels:

• 25 Metre Freestyle, Backstroke, Breastroke and Butterfly
• 15 Metre Walk
• 15 and 25 Metre Floatation Race
• 15 Metre Unassisted Swim
• 10 Metre Assisted Swim

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