In much the same way as the Olympics and the Paralympics, the global Special Olympics movement follows a four year cycle that gives athletes a chance to showcase their skills on the world stage.

Special Olympics Canada works with local organizing committees to host National Games every two years, once for Summer and again for Winter, each offering different sports. The National Games bring together athletes, coaches and volunteers from the across the country into one celebration of the Special Olympics movement and showcasing the incredible skills of the Canadian athletes.

Athletes from across Canada compete in various sports over the course of a week with the goal of achieving personal bests and in some cases, the opportunity to be named to Team Canada for the proceeding World Games.