Nationally, Special Olympics provides year-round opportunities for people with learning disabilities of all ability levels, aged 8 upwards, to train and compete in 25 sports. It aims to improve physical fitness, core skills in balance, flexibility, co-ordination and agility, develop motor, cognitive and technical skills and improve social and emotional development. 

Here at Bournemouth AC there has been a long standing group of volunteers, including coaches and parents, providing athletics opportunities to children and older people with learning disabilities, including competing locally and regionally. At the time of writing, February 2023, this group is struggling, having lost its coaches, who have moved away.  The group is trying to recruit new coaches and coaching assistants. For further information please do contact Jan Ryland: jan.ryland@gmail.com