About SODE
Below is a brief overview of Special Olympics Delaware. For more information, including how to get yourself or someone you know involved as an athlete, Unified partner, or volunteer, visit http://www.sode.org.
Our History
The first Special Olympics athletic competition in Delaware was a track & field meet held on June 5, 1971 at the old Wilmington High School. Nearly 100 athletes participated. In attendance were County Councilman Joseph R. Biden, U.S. Rep. Pete Dupont, Gov. Sherman Tribbit, Wilmington Mayor Harry Haskell and University of Delaware football coach Tubby Raymond.
Our Mission
The mission of Special Olympics Delaware is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. There are volunteer opportunities ranging from event management and coaching to fundraising and volunteering on the day of an event.
Become an Athlete
More than 4,200 athletes, Unified partners and their families make up the foundation of Special Olympics Delaware. The organization provides families the opportunity to spend time together, learn from one another, and most importantly, feel accepted and respected. If you aren’t already part of a team, find out how you can join one today.
Become a Unified Partner
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an initiative that brings together Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners (peers without intellectual disabilities) on sports teams for training and competition. The matching of athletes and partners by age and ability is defined on a sport-by-sport basis, and includes team and individual sports, as well as Young Athletes and Motor Activity Training Program participants.
Make a Donation.
Change a Life.
Special Olympics Delaware utilizes sports as a platform to create life-changing experiences for those involved or touched by our program. Through sports training and competition in 16 sports, more than 4,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities have proven that, given the chance, no disability is too great to overcome. You can earmark your donation to a specific programmatic area within the organization, or you can make it in honor or memory of someone. Make an online donation today or you can donate by check.
Special Olympics Delaware
619 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716
302.831.4653
Connect With Us!
Special Olympics Delaware
619 South College Ave.
Newark, Delaware 19716
302.831.4653