What are Seasonal Games?
Beginning in 2026, SOLA will implement a realigned competition schedule that preserves all sports while consolidating and strengthening our statewide events. This is the plan we are moving forward with, but we also want to be clear: 2026 will be a transition year. As we talk with folks across the state, we expect to learn more about what this means for different programs and communities – and we are prepared to adjust where needed. Our goal is to get this right, not be rigid.
Sports Registration & Season Information
Please click on the tabs below to learn more about each season’s sports and important dates.
Don’t forget to review the Expectations for Participation tab for essential information.
Seasonal Games
Beginning in 2026, SOLA will implement a realigned competition schedule that preserves all sports while consolidating and strengthening our statewide events.
This is the plan we are moving forward with, but we also want to be clear: 2026 will be a transition year. As we talk with folks across the state, we expect to learn more about what this means for different programs and communities – and we are prepared to adjust where needed. Our goal is to get this right, not be rigid.
Prior to completing your season registration form, please make a note of the following expectations for participation:
- A valid Athlete Application (for athletes: individuals with intellectual/developmental disability) or;
- A valid Class A (for Unified partners: individuals without intellectual/developmental disability) and background check for those over the age of 18
- Ensure that the participant has valid paperwork on file, per Special Olympics requirements, prior to the first practice for the season
- Participants will commit to 8-10 weeks of practice for a minimum of one hour per week over the course of the season.
- Participants will need to choose one sport in which to compete at State competitions. When State competitions have overlapping dates, participants will need to self-determine their one sport of choice for that State competition.
- Participants will compete in a Regional and State competitions.
- Participants over the age of 8 years old will be training in Olympic-style sports in preparation for the competition.
- If you register for a sport more than once, we will use the information provided from your most recent submission.
- In the event that we are not able to place you on your preferred team or sport we will work with you to find placement for you on another sport or team in the current or future seasons.
- Some community programs (i.e. parks and recreation departments) may have their own additional registration and fee. The Special Olympics Louisiana registration will not replace their registration, so please connect with those programs directly to complete their respective registrations.
2026 Winter Season
- Registration Period: January 1-16
- Winter Season: January – March
- Winter Season Begins: January 17
STATE COMPETITION:
- State Basketball, March 14th, Belle Chasse
- Fitness, TBA
Winter Sports Offered
2026 Spring Season
- Registration Period: March 6-20
- Spring Season: March-May
- Spring Season Begins: March 21
STATE COMPETITION: State Summer Games, May 22-24, Hammond
Spring Sports Offered
2026 Summer Season
- Registration Period:
- Volleyball, Top Golf, Fitness- June 15
- Swimming: July 3-17
- Summer Season: May-September
- Summer Season Begins: May 30
- SUMMER SEASON REGISTRATION
STATE COMPETITIONS:
- State Volleyball, August 22, Baton Rouge
- Top Golf, August 29, Lafayette
- State Swimming, September 20, New Orleans
- Fitness, 7/6-8/31
Summer Sports Offered
2026 Fall Season
- Registration Period:
- Softball & Horseshoes – August 14-28
- Flag Football & Bowling – September 19-October 2
- Fall Season: September – December
- Fall Season Begins: September 1
STATE COMPETITIONS:
- State Softball, October 17, Carencro
- State Horseshoes, October 24, Pineville
- State Flag Football, TBA
Fall Sports Offered
Athlete Registration
ATHLETE REGISTRATION
All athletes must register in the Registration Portal before they can participate. Click the button below to register!
