The Mission of Northwest Special Olympics: To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities who reside in the Hilliard and Dublin City School Districts. This training gives the athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

About Us: Northwest Special Olympics was started in November 1987 with our first basketball skills program. Since then we have added nine other sports including track, volleyball (traditional and unified), gymnastics, power lifting, team softball (traditional and unified), softball skills, swimming, team and individual bowling, and team basketball (female and male). The athletes train and compete during the weekdays and some weekends. Generally, we do not provide transportation to the events. However, a team van may be taken to events outside the Columbus area. We have a diverse and experienced group of coaches and volunteers that offer their time to train our athletes, so that each individual can compete to the best of their ability.

Special Olympics provides an opportunity for athletes of all skill levels to train, compete, and succeed not only sporting events, but also in life. Athletes are given opportunities to increase their independence and socialize with other children and adults. Throughout the year, teams may qualify for different events where they get a chance to compete at the state level. The state events are often held out of town, which gives the athletes an opportunity to stay overnight in a hotel or dorm with their coaches and volunteers.

Funding: There is no participation fee for Special Olympics. Northwest Special Olympics covers the cost of uniforms, team equipment, and other expenses associated with training our athletes. As a non-profit organization, various fundraisers are used to generate the funds that enable us to pay for these expenses. Throughout the year, families have many opportunities to volunteer at our golf tournament, cash drop, and several other types of fundraisers.