Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.
Powerlifting includes three basic lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the dead lift.
Athletes are first classified by weight and then divided by ability. Men and women can participate in all powerlifting events.
Single event competitions are the bench press, squat and dead lift.
Athletes who train and compete in more than one event have the option of competing in a combination event. This combines lift totals from the bench press and dead lift for a combination total score or totals from the three lifts for a triple combination total score.
Click here to find your coach certification status.
Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.
Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms
- Powerlifting Individual Registration Form
Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Summer Games registration. Click here for a full list of Summer Games registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date.
Southeast Powerlifting Registration Forms
This is an annual event hosted by Special Olympics Georgia during the month of January. More information to come at a later date.
- Registration Letter for Southeast
- Athlete Bios, Fees Form
- NA Endorsement Form
- Powerlifting Event Form
- T-Shirt Size Form
- State Office Verification Form
- Delegation Roster Form
- Schedule of Events
- Fee Sheet for Southeast
- Housing Information Sheet
2020 SONC Summer Games
SONC Summer Games will be held May 29-31, 2020, in Raleigh.
Southeast Regional Powerlifting
Hosted by Special Olympics Georgia, this event is typically held in January. Local programs are responsible for all travel and housing costs for this event.
Invitationals
Athletes and Unified partners also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in various local invitationals. Check the powerlifting sport calendar for upcoming invitationals being hosted by local programs.
Local programs are also encouraged to host and invite neighboring counties to participate in invitationals, scrimmages, or leagues. Click here for some basic steps on how to get started. If you are interested in hosting an invitational you can also contact the sports department at sports@sonc.net.
Longwood Powerlifting Invitational
SONC athletes have been invited to participate in the Longwood Powerlifting Invitational on Saturday, February 15, 2020. This meet is hosted by Special Olympics Virginia and will be held at Longwood University located at 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909. If planning to attend, please fill out this online athlete and coach request form by Tuesday, January 21. More information about this event will be made available in January 2020.
About Powerlifting: Every athlete aims at lifting more weights than the opponent using specific moves. In Special Olympics Powerlifting includes the deadlift, squat or bench press. Training, determination, and attitude are the key facts that define the balance between a successful or a failed attempt.
Differences of Special Olympics Powerlifting: Special Olympics, Inc. Allows for athletes with physical disabilities to wear a two-piece outfit with both upper and lower pieces being form fitting. A full-length aerobic suit may be worn while performing the bench press. Additionally, lifting with a prosthesis is allowed and orthosis with shoes will be allowed.
History: Powerlifting became an official Special Olympics North Carolina sport in 1990 at the Summer Games
By the Numbers:
- 1991 was the first–year powerlifting specific events were offered at Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games. Prior to this only eight training and fitness exercises were offered.
- In 1992, four local programs were the first to participate in a North Carolina High School powerlifting meet in North Wilkesboro.
- The squat event was introduced to Special Olympics North Carolina during the 1992-1993 program year.
Sport Development Teams (SDT) are responsible for assisting with local and state-level programs and competition, educating coaches and officials, and promoting active engagement among athletes throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Richard Frazier – SDT Director
Wilson
Jim Hollis
Raleigh
Nelda Newton
Nebo
Certified Clinicians receive additional training in presentational skills to conduct training schools in their community. In order to become a Certified Clinician one must have a Special Olympics North Carolina level 2 sport certification in this sport.
For more information on becoming an SDT member or a Certified Clinician, contact sports@sonc.net.
