Sport teaches us. When we train, it teaches us to dream.
When we struggle, it teaches us determination. When we win, it teaches us joy.
And when we lose, sport teaches us the will to try again.
Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) has been serving people with intellectual disabilities in our state for more than 40 years and uses
sports as a platform to create life-changing experiences for those involved or touched by our program.
SODE is made up of more than 3,500 athletes participating throughout the state. We offer community-based and school-based
programs for Special Olympics athletes ages 2 and older. There is no upper age limit, and athletes may be involved in both schoolbased and area-based programs.
In 2013, Special Olympics Delaware implemented an infrastructural change to enable the program to reach more athletes, more
volunteers, and more coaches. Community-based programs were aligned to 5 geographical areas that will help to maximize sports
involvement for all athletes. The area programs are as follows: SODE Wilmington, SODE Newark, SODE M.O.T. (Middletown,
Odessa, Townsend, Smyrna), SODE Kent County and SODE Sussex County.
Ultimately, this transition will strengthen the impact of our mission to provide year-round sports training and competition at no cost to the
athletes or their families.
