Wintersport Hub

Support Our Wintersport Pathway  

With your support, Special Olympics Australia can invest in sports programs which ensure that athletes with intellectual disability/autism have the best experience of sport.  

We do this by:

• applying our specialist knowledge of providing sport to people with intellectual disability/autism

• working with a dedicated network of volunteers

• nurturing relationships with National and State Sporting Organisations

• maximising the generous support of partners and donors, who believe in inclusion.  

This is the journey available for athletes with intellectual disability/autism interested in wintersport.

The Fun Begins at Camp

Every snow season, Special Olympics Australia offers multiple snow camps for people with intellectual disability/autism who are keen to hit the slopes. These camps are suitable for both beginners and more experienced athletes.

Through our network of volunteers and connection to Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA), we have coaches and guides to support athletes to build confidence on the snow, or to develop the skills of those who want to compete.

State Winter Games

At the annual Interschools Snowsport Championships Special Olympics Australia are provided with racing space to host competition. Athlete attending this competition can qualify for the Special Olympics Australia National Winter Games.

National Winter Games 

Every four years, Special Olympics Australia hosts a National Winter Games to give athletes with intellectual disability/autism a chance to demonstrate their skills and experience the thrill of competition. It’s also a chance for them to be selected to represent Australia at a Special Olympics World Winter Games - and it’s in reach of almost everyone!    

Through a process called ‘divisioning’, athletes at Special Olympics events compete against others of similar age and ability – so everyone has a real chance to advance to the next level of competition.    

World Winter Games 

The Special Olympics World Winter Games is the pinnacle of sporting success for our wintersport athletes, but without significant funding, some athletes may miss their dream of wearing the green and gold for Australia.