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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 all 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 alongside 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 referee
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 part of their coaches education.
Coaches
Resources
International
Governing Body:
http://www.internationalsoftball.com
US Governing Body:
http://www.usasoftball.com
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