
Basketball State CompetitionS
2023 Winter Sport – Basketball Season
After a full season of practicing teams will compete at the following:
Mid-Season Qualifier – February 18 (Kent County Recreation Center)
State Tournament – March 18 (UD Bob Carpenter Center)
State Basketball Competition Information
Traditional: 5 v 5 full-court competition
Half-court: 3 v 3 half-court competition
Individual Skills Competition: Basic and Standard Skills
Teams are divisioned based on age and ability.

History + Facts
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.
Connect
With Us!
Special Olympics Delaware
619 South College Ave.
Newark, Delaware 19716
302.831.4653 / info@sode.org