Basketball

As one of the world's most popular sports, basketball is a big favorite in Special Olympics. Athletes learn teamwork while improving their athletic ability. As in all Special Olympic sports the basketball teams are grouped in competition divisions according to the athletes' and teams' ability level, age, and gender.

There are three levels of play: 5v5 full court, 3v3 half court, and Individual Skills contest as well as Unified® team play. Individual skills are designed for lower ability athletes and include the target pass, ten meter dribble, and spot shot.

Unified Sports® teams combine athletes with and without mental retardation onto one team. This allows brothers, sisters, and peers to compete with their family member, schoolmate, colleague, and/or friend with mental retardation.

Basketball is contested at the Special Olympics Maryland Spring Sports Classic. This annual event, which is held at Towson State University, brings athletes from all over the state to compete in a day-long basketball tournament. Check the Calendar for this years dates.