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FALL REGISTRATION OPENS
8:00 AM
Wednesday, AUGUST 19, 2026
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ATHLETE PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Please read before making your choices.
Special Olympics Virginia – Loudoun (SOVAL) has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years. As a result, many sports programs have reached capacity, and some athletes are currently on waitlists. In addition, some families register athletes for every available sport, limiting opportunities for others, while inconsistent attendance prevents waitlisted athletes from participating.
The following guidelines are intended to ensure fair access to programs, promote consistent participation, and provide the best possible experience for all SOVAL athletes.
Sport Registration Limits
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Athletes may register for a maximum of five sports for Spring or Fall season, and three sports for Summer or Winter season.
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For sports offered at multiple locations, athletes may register for only one location. For example, an athlete registering for swimming must choose Eastern or Western —not multiple locations.
- If an athlete wishes to participate at another location, they may join the waitlist and will be offered a spot if one becomes available.
Attendance Expectations
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Athletes are expected to attend at least 50% of scheduled practices or sessions to be eligible to participate in State tournaments
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Sport programs with a waitlist may require at 75% attendance at practices and sessions. Example: Athletes participating in the Topgolf program must attend at least 75% of scheduled sessions. Those who do not meet this attendance requirement may be placed on the waitlist for the following season.
- If an athlete cannot attend, the athlete or parent/caregiver should notify the coach as soon as possible.
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Athletes who miss sessions without notifying their coach will be removed from the program after two practices to allow an athlete on the waitlist to participate.
Eligibility for State Games
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Athletes must attend at least 50% of the season's practices or sessions to be eligible for consideration for State Games, including Basketball Championships, Summer Games, and Fall Championships.
Parent/Caregiver Support
- Parents or caregivers must remain with their athlete during practices and events if the athlete has behavioral challenges or requires additional support to safely follow instructions and participate.
Athlete Code of Conduct
- All athletes who are capable of reading and signing the Athlete Code of Conduct are expected to do so.
- When a parent or caregiver completes the registration documents on behalf of an athlete, they should review and explain the Code of Conduct with the athlete to the best of the athlete's ability and understanding.
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FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Parents - make sure you register your child - not yourself - for the chosen sport!
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SUMMER SPORTS REVIEW
Thanks to a team of dedicated coaches, dozens of volunteer parents, and countless incredible community volunteers, nearly 200 athletes enjoyed a summer filled with fitness, fun, and friendship!
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time, energy, and support to make this season possible. Thank you for helping make it such a memorable summer!
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Basketball
SOVA Loudoun's 2026 summer basketball program came to a close on Saturday, August 14, after seven weeks of fun, skill-building, and competition.
The program started in 2018 with about 20 participants as a way to keep our athletes engaged during the slow summer sports schedule.
It has grown every year (as have our other summer programs), and this year we had about 120 athletes registered, and 50-60 playing ball on any given Saturday morning.
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We ran three different groups, split out so that everyone could engage with other athletes of similar ability level. The success of the summer program hinges, or course, on our athletes - their attitude, commitment and enthusiasm is While we didn't participate in tournaments or games with other areas, there was plenty of gaming going on.
Each practice was a combination of conditioning, skills development, and pick-up games. And smiles were every-where you looked!makes it special. But the program also requires plenty of others to make it work. More than a dozen coaches gave their time and their knowledge through the summer, and many young volunteers worked with our athletes as well. A special shoutout goes to YMSL for their ongoing support of summer basketball, and other Special Olympics sports.
We hope to see everyone during our winter basketball program. Just as in summer, regardless of your level of skill, there is a place for everyone!
Coach Jeff
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Swimming
Summer off-season swimming ended on a great note as many awesome volunteers came out to assist.
Our hard-working swimmers learned some flip turns and perfected diving as well as doing many kicking drills. We will be continuing to build up our swimmers' skills in preparation for competition in the fall.
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Cycling
Cycling, the only on-season summer sport, wrapped up the season with time trials, and getting ready for the Delaware Classic Cycling Competition on August 22. Wish us luck.
Cycling will continue in the fall with morning practices.
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Pickleball
Athletes continued to build their skills this summer! The season wrapped up with popcorn and Coach Leighanne acknowledging athlete contributions and success.
Fall pickleball starts soon.
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TopGolf
TopGolf is a popular SOVAL sport with 45 athletes participating this summer. Athletes had fun enhancing their golf skills, as well as enjoying each other's company and improving their social skills.
Come cheer on the athletes who are participating in the Topgolf Invitational on August 29.
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HELP WANTED
Did you know that many of today’s coaches started as parents of young athletes or as student volunteers? Some of our dedicated coaches have been inspiring and supporting our athletes for nearly 30 years. Now, we’re looking for the next generation of coaches and volunteers to build on the incredible foundation our seasoned mentors have created.
Becoming a coach, assistant coach, or volunteer is easier than you might think. You don’t need prior experience or knowledge of the sport. The most important qualities are patience, encouragement, and the understanding that many family members of individuals with disabilities already have. We’ll provide the training, guidance, and support you need every step of the way.
Whether you’re a parent, family member, athlete, or community member, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting difference in the lives of our athletes.
Current needs:
LEARN MORE
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Athlete
June
Scott Bender
Scott started Special Olympics at the age of 12 and has grown so much since. He started in cycling and swimming and now also participates in dance and fitness. Scott always has a smile on his face and brings the fun! He had an accident while cycling but got back up on the bike and took off as if it had never happened. He is a pleasure to have in swimming and cycling, and we will forgive him for playing basketball with his school team.... Congratulations Scott.
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Volunteer
June
Robert Quan
Robert started volunteering with Special Olympics swimming about a year ago and has been such a positive influence on Special Olympics swimming. He was a University of Chicago swimmer and brings his knowledge to the Dolphins swim team. He manages the lanes, shows swimmers new skills and even came to see our swimmers at the state tournament this spring.
Thank you Robert.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
August 22 - Dulles Plane Pull - DONATE TODAY!
August 22 - Delaware Classic Cycling Competition, Dover, DE
August 26 - UCS Soccer tournament, Woodgrove HS
August 29 - Fall Sports Begin
August 29 - Special Olympics Dulles 5K Run, Dulles
September 7 - PRCS Kids Fest, Segre Field, Leesburg
September 19 - Young Athletes Session, Virginia Academy, Ashburn
October 10 - 3rd SOVAL Indoor Triathlon, Ashburn Village Sports Pavillion
TBD - Pancake Breakfast, Leesburg Moose Lodge
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WAYS TO GIVE
Special Olympics Virginia – Loudoun County relies on the generosity of corporations and individuals like you to ensure our athletes every opportunity to compete in their chosen sport. It costs approximately $250 per athlete each year to provide equipment, uniforms, venues, competitions, program expenses and transportation. Having the financial and moral support from our Loudoun County businesses and residents has the additional benefit of raising awareness and generating enthusiasm for our mission
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Donations made to Special Olympics North America do not automatically fund Special Olympics Loudoun County.
Donate directly to Special Olympics Loudoun County to make a direct impact on local athletes.
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