Swimming offers athletes of all abilities the opportunity to develop in the water. The strokes swum are freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly, as well as in the relay. Various disciplines and distances allow athletes with different abilities to participate. Swimming promotes strength, endurance, and coordination.

Competition Format

• Individual and relay competitions in all strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly) and various distances (25m to 200m).
• For beginners or athletes with greater limitations, short distances (15m to 25m) in freestyle are also available, with aids or an assistant.
• Nationally, Swimming is the most popular individual sport with competitions in all language regions.

Special Olympics Switzerland is also invited to international competitions and World Games. We forward invitations to international events to athletes and sports groups who are active with us. Further information can be found under International Competitions and World Games.

Through a cooperation with Swiss Aquatics, the development of Swimming in Switzerland for people with intellectual disabilities is specifically supported and promoted by the association.