Softball is an exciting team sport in Special Olympics. Athletes play slow pitch softball, which involves two teams of 10 athletes each.  Athletes of lower ability can compete in tee ball or individual skills contests with events that emphasize the basics of the game, such as base running. As in ail Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to their ability level, age and gender. At the 1995 World Games, 404 athletes from six countries competed in this event. An exciting addition to these World Games was Unified Sports softball competition which included nine teams. Unified Sports pairs athletes with and without mental retardation on one team.
    This allows family members to participate along side siblings or children with mental retardation.   Special Olympics softball offers a new program, Special Olympics Officials Program for Athletes, where interested athletes train to  become American Softball Association certified officials. The athletes pass the same requirements as all other officials and are certified to refere softball competition. The American Softball Association has welcomed Special Olympics softball athletes and coaches. Both ASA and Special Olympics share the goal to expand softball worldwide. The ASA includes Special Olympics coaches in their clinics, as well as conducting Special Olympic sessions as a par t of their coaches education.