Special Olympics Central Texas

The mission of Special Olympics Texas is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities [mental retardation], giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Description:
In the Central Texas area, 2,080 adults and children with intellectual disabilities and other closely related developmental disabilities participate throughout the year.

• 19 counties comprise the Central Texas area
• Athletes have the opportunity to participate in local, area & state competitions annually.
• Athletes train and compete in 19 sports year-round
• The Central Texas area involves more than 5,000 community volunteers annually

• The sports offered by the Central Texas area are:

Aquatics Golf
Athletics Gymnastics
Basketball Powerlifting
Bocce Soccer
Bowling Softball
Cycling Table Tennis
Equestrian Tennis
Figure Skating Volleyball
Speed Skating Kayaking

History:
Special Olympics began in Texas in 1969 within the recreation division of the Texas Association for Retarded Citizens (TARC). The first Summer Games was hosted at Paul Tyson Stadium in Waco, June 6-7, 1969 with 350 athletes competing in 10 track and field events.

Contact person: Karen Shockey, Administrative Assistant, (512) 491-2964, (email)

Office fax number: (512) 835-7756

Address:

7715 Chevy Chase Drive Suite 120 Austin, TX 78752 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sotx.org/

Directions:

Going I-35 North, take the St. Johns/Anderson Ln. exit # 239/240A. Go straight through St.Johns light to second light, make a left, go under underpass (E. Anderson Lane/183 South Access Rd). Stay in left lane and turn left at loop just before Northcrest Blvd/Georgian Dr.. . . (more) For maps or information, please see http://www.capmetro.org/riding/trip_info.asp

Last updated on October 29, 2009