Roller Skating

Roller skating is a Special Olympics sport with many different facets. Athletes are given the option to compete in artistic events and speed events. In addition to the choice of sport, athletes may choose to use in-line or quad skates, depending on their strengths. As in all Special Olympics Sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to the athletes' ability level, age and gender.

For the artistic competition, men and women compete separately. The competition is further divided into four levels, each level progressively more difficult and requiring different elements. Speed events offer a variety of distances for all skill levels, as well as relay and slalom events.

Roller skating was inaugurated at the 1987 World Games. That year the 22 participants were all United States athletes. In 1999, the roller skating competition boasted 108 athletes from 14 countries.

Roller Skating Associations (RSAs) in the United States have been instrumental in the development and inclusion of Special Olympics athletes and coaches. These associations include: Roller Skating Rink Operators, Society of Roller Skating Teachers of America, Speed Coaches Association, Roller Hockey Coaches Association, and Roller Skating Supplies and Manufacturers.