Special Olympics Gymnastics is a collection of gymnastics events where all competitors have a physical or mental disability.

Special Olympics gymnastics is an event competition for gymnasts with physical or mental disabilities. Competitions are offered for men in the artistic events and women in artistic and rhythmic events. Male and female gymnasts may compete in all events offered (All Around) or may be specialists, competing in one, two, or more (but not all) events. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.

The goal of gymnastics is to compete in either artistic or rhythmic events and have the routines scored by a panel of judges. The competitor with the highest score wins the competition.

Gymnastics have been a part of the Special Olympics since the third international Special Olympics World Summer Games in 1972; there, 11 gymnasts competed in tumbling and free exercise routines. At the 2003 World summer Games, 177 artistic gymnasts and 53 rhythmic gymnasts from 51 programs competed. As of 2005, the Special Olympics Athlete Participation Report stated 34, 519 Special Olympics athletes competed in gymnastics.

Balance Beam
Grips
Leotard
Pommel Horse
Uneven Bars

Some gymnastics routines and events require some level of dangerous techniques. Whenever possible, a spotter is used to lessen the likelihood of a fall causing serious injury. Gymnasts should also feel comfortable performing whatever skill or technique they are attempting, although this does not guarantee an accident will not occur.

Gymnastics is a physically demanding sport that requires rigorous training to prepare for competition. Training focuses on developing the physical ability to perform skills and techniques, and how to perform those successfully. Another aspect of training is learning and memorizing routines for the various events each gymnast will compete in.

All Around - refers to gymnast that competes in all of their gender-specific events

Block - a rapid rebounding off of the floor or apparatus with the arms

Compulsory - a routine in which the elements are pre-determined by an organization; all gymnasts competing in compulsory

routines must perform specified skills in a specific order.

Dismount - term used for the last skill in a routine; for most events it is the method used to get off of the event such as a

balance beam

Eagle Grip - a grip in which the gymnast's hands are turned 180 degrees outward from an over grip; thumbs are turned out, but

in the opposite direction of an undergrip

Grips - leather straps worn by gymnasts to help keep a grip on the bars or rings

Mixed Grip - gripping differently with each hand

Mount - term used to identify the first skill in a routine

Overgrip - a grip in which the gymnast's fingers are facing away from them

Punch - bouncing off of the floor or apparatus rather than jumping; punching involves anticipating the floor and springing off

using both any spring in the floor as well as power in the legs

Salto - a term for a flip

Stick - used to describe a landing where the gymnast remains standing without requiring an extra step

Undergrip - a grip in which the gymnast's fingers are facing towards them

http://www.drillsandskills.com/definitions
http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Coach/Sports_Offered/Gymnastics.htm