Five Statewide Games. Year-Round Inclusion Through Sports.
All year long, athletes across Connecticut compete on the biggest stages to showcase skill, determination, and the true meaning of inclusion. Special Olympics Connecticut hosts five premier Statewide Games each year –bringing our community from all corners of our state together to compete, connect, and celebrate.
Winter Games
Where grit meets the elements.
Presented by:
Athletes, Unified partners, and supporters take on the challenge of winter sports at our annual Winter Games. Built on resilience and preparation, this event celebrates what’s possible – no matter the conditions.
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Training Season: December – March (8-12 weeks)
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Event Dates: Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 (2027 Dates: TBD)
Winter Sports
Alpine Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
Figure Skating
Floorball
Gymnastics
Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Speedskating
TRADITIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Full-court competition. Reserved only for our athletes.
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Our version of March Madness, our Traditional Basketball Tournament brings teams and athletes together to compete in traditional basketball and individual skills competition. With nonstop action at multiple venues across Waterbury, this one-day event is filled with teamwork, determination, and game-day energy.
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Training Season: December – March (8-12 weeks)
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Event Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 (2027 Date: TBD)
Summer Games
The largest stage. The biggest celebration.
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Our signature event of the year, Summer Games unites hundreds of athletes and Unified partners competing in five sports. This is the event we are best known for – where athletes shine, personal bests are achieved, and unforgettable moments unfold.
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Training Season: March – June (8-12 weeks)
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Event Dates: Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7, 2026
Summer Sports
Cycling
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track & Field
Unified Sports® Fall Festival
Play Unified. Live Unified.
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This signature fall event highlights the power of Special Olympics Unified Sports®, bringing athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. Spanning two weekends when the leaves start to change, athlete and Unified partners alike showcase the true meaning of teamwork, friendship, and inclusion through sport.
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Training Season: June – September (8-12 weeks)
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Event Dates: Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 2026 (Bocce, Golf & Sailing) and Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20, 2026 (Croquet & Softball)
Unified Sports®
Bocce
Croquet
Golf
Sailing
Softball
Unified Sports® Holiday Classic
Celebrate the season through sport.
Presented by:
Closing out the year, the Unified Sports® Holiday Classic brings athletes and Unified partners together for spirited competition in a festive atmosphere. It’s a joyful celebration of sport and community, always held the weekend before Thanksgiving.
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Training Season: September – November (8-12 weeks)
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Event Dates: Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22, 2026
Sports
Basketball
Bowling
Powerlifting
Volleyball
More Than Games. Life-Changing Impact.
Each one of our Statewide Games is powered by a shared belief: that sport creates opportunity.
Your support fuels year-round sports, health, and leadership opportunities for nearly 14,000 people with and without intellectual disabilities – helping them build confidence, skills, and lifelong connections.
Be Part of the Action
Whether you're stepping onto the playing field, cheering in the stands, or making it all possible behind the scenes – there’s a place for you at our Statewide Games. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about the various ways you can join our community.
