Basketball was first contested in 1968 at the first Special Olympics Games in Chicago, Illinois. Basketball events combine both team and individual skills competitions. Basketball is a summer sport and training season is usually from January to June.
- Basketball Resources – rules, coaching guides, fact sheets, etc.
Details for Delaware County Program
***Delaware County typically hosts 2 separate basketball trainings (Tuesday and Sunday). All athletes are welcome to participate in both (or just one). Please see details below on each training location.***
TUESDAY TRAINING - TBD Location
SOPA Season: Spring/Summer (Jan – Jun)
Head Coach: Gene Delaney
What to Expect: Basketball teams consist of 5v5, 3v3, and skills. 2021 training will be skills only.
Training Specifics: Click HERE for the current season’s information.
Competition Dates: Typically competes in Delco Invitational, Eastern Spring Sectional, and Summer Games.
Equipment: We will provide all the required equipment.
Uniform Requirements: We will provide athletes with a basketball uniform. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel. Sneakers must be worn.
Sunday Training - Garnet Valley MS (Glen Mills)
SOPA Season: Spring/Summer (Jan – Jun)
Head Coach: Kathy Vicario
What to Expect: Basketball teams consist of 5v5, 3v3, and skills.
Training Specifics: Typically held on Sunday afternoons at Garnet Valley Middle School (Glen Mills). Click HERE for the current season’s information.
Competition Dates: Historically, our Sunday program has not competed, but we are hoping to get athletes out to competitions in the near future!
Equipment: We will provide all the required equipment.
Uniform Requirements: We will provide athletes with a basketball uniform. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel. Sneakers must be worn.
**IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS**
ALL athletes must have a current medical (on Special Olympics PA medical form) that runs through the end of the season. If the athlete medical is not up-to-date, athletes WILL NOT be able to participate. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule since it poses a safety risk to the entire program. An up-to-date medical must always be on file with the coach as well as sent to register.sopadelco@gmail.com. To download a copy of medical application, check our resource page. To check on medical expiration date, please go here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gZlc7Rupri51R_2SAgbVRI8DwrOVf2nDOvmssWKBXfo/edit#gid=0
ALL athletes must attend at least 8 trainings and participate in qualifiers to be eligible to compete in State Games (Summer Games/Fall Festival/Indoor Winter Games).
ALL athletes can participate in multiple sports during the same season, but must declare a primary sport for State Games (Summer Games/Fall Festival/Indoor Winter Games).