Special Olympics Powerlifting is a collection of weightlifting events where all competitors have a physical or mental disability. Events offered are squat, bench press or a combination of the two.

Special Olympics powerlifting is a form of competitive lifting meant for athletes with physical or mental disabilities. Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in three lifts: the bench press, the deadlift and the squat, or in combination. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender. Note that Special Olympics athletes must be 16 years of age before competing in powerlifting.

The goal of Special Olympics powerlifting is to properly perform a series of lifts of increasing weight in various events.

Each competitor is allowed three to four attempts on each lift depending on their standing and the organization they are lifting in. The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift counts toward his competition total. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter. Competitors are judged against other lifters of the same gender, weight class, and age.

In 1983, powerlifting was introduced to the Special Olympics. The 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games powerlifting event had a total of 129 competitors representing more than 20 programs in the squat, bench press, deadlift, and combination feats. The Special Olympics Athlete Participation Report in 2005 stated more than 20,000 Special Olympics athletes competed in powerlifting.

Barbell
Weights
Wrist Straps
Wrist Wraps

Powerlifting involves a certain level of risk for injury because of the strain put on muscles. Athletes should work up to higher waits and not over exert too often. When lifting heavy weights, it is always a good idea to have a spotter present in case something goes wrong during the lift and the athlete does not have enough strength left to place the rest the barbell safely.

Powerlifting requires a great deal of strength and attention to form. Training for Special Olympics powerlifting focuses on strength training to improve an athletes strength. Form is also crucial in competitive powerlifting, so that becomes another level of powerlifting training.

Bands - large "rubber bands" used by powerlifters to increase resistance at the top/end of exercise

Groove - the ideal path a barbell should follow in competitive lifts

Lock Out - the last few inches in the range of motion in the bench press, squat, or deadlift

Sticking Point - a point in the range of motion for bench press, squat, or deadlift where the lifter often fails the lift

Wrist Straps - straps used to help the lifter hold onto the bar

Wrist Wraps - wraps used to support the wrists when lifting heavy weights

http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Coach/Sports_Offered/Powerlifting.htm
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