Special Olympics Gymnastics combines strength, flexibility and artistry.
Competitions are offered for men in the artistic events and women in artistic and
rhythmic events. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in
competition divisions according to the athletes’ ability level, age and gender.
Gymnastics is one of Special Olympics’ expanding sports. It was first included
as an official sport in the 1972 World Games, only eleven athlete competed in
tumbling and free exercise routines. By the 1995 World Games this sport included 367 competitors
representing 17 countries. Internationally, over 44 countries offer Special Olympics gymnastic
programs.
 
Events

Women may compete in up to four events in either artistic or rhythmic competitions.
The artistic events include uneven bars, balance beam, vaulting
and floor exercises. The rhythmic competition includes rope, hoop, ball and
ribbon.
Men may compete in up to six events in artistic gymnastics. Men's artistic
events include floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vaulting, parallel bars and
horizontal bar.
For the well rounded athlete the all-around competition offers an additional challenge. Men and
women may choose to compete in every event, which qualifies them for the all-around.
Athletes also participate in Unified Sports®. Unified Sports® allows athletes with and without mental retardation to compete as partners, promoting teamwork and inclusion opportunities in a competitive sport event.