2026 Basketball Season

Teams and skills athletes will compete at the following events:

Mid-Season Qualifier – February 14, 2026
Kent County Recreation Center

State Tournament – March 21, 2026
UD Bob Carpenter Center

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As one of the world’s most popular sports, basketball is a big favorite in Special Olympics and is incorporated into every U.S. program. The Basketball State Tournament includes teams from all five Areas and several school programs. A Jamboree takes place midseason and then the state tournament takes place at the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center, located on the UD athletic complex in Newark.

• State Tournament games are officiated by high school referees who are members of IAABO Board 11.
• The first basketball event nationally took place in 1968 at the inaugural Special Olympics Summer Games, held in Chicago.
• More than 500,000 athletes participate in basketball worldwide.

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