Softball

Softball is a popular variation of baseball that, despite the name of the sport, is distinguished by the use of a large game ball that is actually harder than a baseball. Softball made its debut as an official Special Olympics sport at the 1983 World Games in Baton Rouge, LA, and almost 53,000 athletes and Unified partners partners annually train and compete in softball in the United States today. At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, we plan to offer slow-pitch softball and Unified slow-pitch softball.

How It’s Played:
Softball is a fast-paced team sport that shares many similarities with baseball but has key differences. In addition to a larger game ball, the pitches are thrown underhand, and the bases are 60 feet apart, compared to 90 feet in baseball. At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, athletes and Unified partners will compete in teams of ten players. The objective is to score runs by hitting the ball and advancing around four bases back to home plate, while the fielders attempt to halt the progress of the runners and make an “out.” A game typically consists of seven innings, with each team taking turns batting and fielding. Batters aim to hit the ball and safely reach the next base, while the defense works to get outs through striking a batter out, catching fly balls, tagging runners, or throwing to bases. Softball demands coordination, teamwork, and quick decision-making, offering high-energy excitement for players and spectators alike.