Spring Sports Sign-Ups Are Open!
Spring Sports Sign-Ups: Dec. 15 - March 1
We are gearing up for our Spring Sports season and invite all athletes and volunteers to SIGN UP TODAY!
>>>VISIT THIS LINK TO SIGN UP NOW!!<<<
Step 1: Select your Region & Sport
- Select the Region where you live and browse the list of sports available to take the next step in your Special Olympics journey.
Step 2: Fill Out the Sports Interest Form
- Click on your desired sport and fill out the interest form!
- Note to Athletes: You can sign up for more than one sport!
It's Polar Plunge Season!
Special Olympics Pennsylvania's Polar Plunge is a thrilling event where participants take a frosty dip in a pool or lake to raise funds and support athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Whether you take the Plunge with friends, family, coworkers, or on your own, we’re ready to see you this winter! Visit www.plungepa.org to find the Polar Plunge nearest you!
Calling All Winter Sports Athletes!
❄️ Calling all athletes participating in Winter Sports! ❄️
Special Olympics Pennsylvania is giving you a chance to co-emcee Opening Ceremonies at the 2025 Winter or Indoor Winter Games! Here’s how to audition:
1. Print and practice the script for the event(s) you wish to audition for...
⛷ Winter Games Script: https://bit.ly/4fCojPc
⛸ Indoor Winter Games Script: https://bit.ly/4i2VZXZ
Tips: Practice makes perfect! Even if you're not chosen as co-emcee, strong auditions could lead to other opportunities.
2. Record and upload your audition video (YouTube preferred).
3. Submit your video for Winter Games by January 24th at 12:00 PM and Indoor Winter Games by February 14th at 12:00 PM
⛷ Winter Games Submission Form: https://bit.ly/4iasmEa
⛸ Indoor Winter Games Submission Form: https://bit.ly/3ZhA4Vu
Athletes attempting to compete at both events are welcome to submit auditions for both, however, they may only be selected for one.
Questions? Contact Jordan Schubert at
2024 Philadelphia Insurance Companies Valor Award Winner: Nicole Henderson
Each year during Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Fall Festival, the Philadelphia Insurance Companies Valor Award is given to an athlete whose effort, determination and sportsmanship embodies the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges and inspire greatness.
We are so proud and honored to announce NICOLE HENDERSON from Team Area P is our 2024 Valor Award Winner!
We are deeply inspired by Nicole’s determination, hard work, and love of sport. Please help us congratulate Nicole on this incredible honor!
Nicole Henderson is a wife, daughter, coworker, teammate, and one heck of a Special Olympics Pennsylvania bocce player. But most of all, Nicole is a fighter.
In April of this year, Nicole was diagnosed with a large rare tumor in her Vagus Nerve, known as a Vagal Paraganglioma. It's located on the right side of her neck pressing on her jugular and involving the carotid artery.
On July 1, Nicole went in for a procedure to block blood vessels from the carotid so when the surgeons removed the tumor, it would lessen the risk of her bleeding out on the operating table. During the procedure, Nicole suffered two mini strokes which left her with severe left-side weakness from head to toe. The tumor removal did not happen.
No matter the setback, Nicole was determined and focused on making a full recovery in time for bocce season.
Celebrating 15,000 Healthy Athletes Screenings
Celebrating 15,000 Health Screenings with Healthy Athletes!
Join us in honoring a monumental milestone: More than 15,000 health screenings have been provided through the Healthy Athletes program. This initiative is more than just a number; it's a testament to the commitment to health and wellness for athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Healthy Athletes has transformed lives, providing essential screenings, education, and resources. Let's come together to celebrate the program's impact, share inspiring stories, and recognize the dedicated volunteers and healthcare professionals who make it possible. Follow the link below to discover 15 unique health stories to represent 15,000 Screening over the years.
Visit our homepage to start your journey!
