About Us
We encourage you to discover more about how we are improving the lives of Nova Scotians with an intellectual disability - through sport. It is our hope that we are able to provide you with an overview of our mandate while answering any questions you may have relating to our organization.
Serving over 1500 athletes in 15 Regions across Nova Scotia takes talent, skill and determination. With a dedicated group of volunteers, a Board of Directors of 23, and a full-time staff of four, we are taking SONS to a new level. Our established mandate for our future and our goal for implementation has allowed us to accomplish significant milestones - surpassing even our greatest expectations.
We aim to ensure all athletes receive the very best training and competitive experience by providing the highest quality coaches, games and life experiences available. We encourage you to explore in greater depth our website and invite you to become a member of the Special Olympics Nova Scotia family, where little by little, step by step, we are making a difference!
Family members and support people play an important role in Special Olympics as well. You can participate in training, accompany athletes to events, coach them, answer their questions and listen to their stories. One of the greatest roles you can play is to encourage and applaud their efforts whenever possible. Ultimately, the decision to get involved in Special Olympics often comes with many questions. The following information is designed to provide some basic information on getting your loved one involved in Special Olympics. Once you do, you'll find it's about much more than sports. It's a program that will give them practical, day-to-day skills that will last them a lifetime.
What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability.
How is it different from the Paralympics?
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate and distinct organizations. Special Olympics is unique in providing sports opportunities for individuals with different levels of intellectual disabilities. Paralympics provides sports opportunities for elite athletes with a physical handicap.
Who can participate?
Special Olympics is open to every intellectually disabled person, regardless of the level or degree of that person's disability, and whether or not that person also has other physical disabilities.
What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?
Children and adults with an intellectual disability who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They improve physically, mentally and socially. Overall, participants make new friends and discover new abilities and skills that will serve them well in day-to-day life.
What ages are eligible?
Almost every age is eligible for Special Olympics programming in Nova Scotia from four to 88. Special Olympics Nova Scotia also has a youth program for children aged four to 12, which focuses on structured play and introduction to games, teams, competitions and socialization. To learn more about our Youth Development, please visit our Youth Development (Active Start/Fundamentals)on the main page.
What sports are offered in Nova Scotia?
There is a range of sports offered throughout Nova Scotia. The choices vary from region to region. The full list of official sports includes: Aquatics, Athletics, Bocce, Bowling (5 & 10 Pin), Curling, Cross County Ski, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey,Golf, Power Lifting, Soccer, Snowshoeing, Softball, Speed Skating, and a Youth Program. Please contact us to find out which sports are available in your community
How do I register someone to participate?
Just contact a staff person with Special Olympics Nova Scotia or visit the "Our Regions" portion of our website for a contact in your area. They will give you all of the information you need and can put you in touch with resource people in your community.
How can I make a donation to Special Olympics?
Donations can be made to Special Olympics Nova Scotia via cheques made payable to Special Olympics Nova Scotia at the below address or via phone with a visa or mastercard to 429-2266 x 2.
You can reach us at:
Special Olympics Nova Scotia
5516 Spring Garden Road, Suite 201
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1G6
Phone: (902) 429-2266
Fax: (902) 425-5606
Toll Free: 1-866-299-2019
To find out more about the Special Olympics Nova Scotia By Laws, Policies and Procedures or to gain a little history of our organization, please browse our 2010 SOF Program.