The Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation (APDSF) Games 2026 will be held in Chennai, India, on 29 and 30 January 2026 at the Nehru Stadium. The event brings together athletes with Down syndrome from across the Asia Pacific region to celebrate ability, sportsmanship, and inclusion.
About the Games
- The APDSF Games are a unique sports event exclusively for athletes with Down syndrome.
- The Games provide a platform for self-advocates to showcase their skills, build confidence, and connect with peers from other countries.
- Participation from various member nations makes the event truly meaningful and impactful, spreading awareness about inclusion and the potential of individuals with Down syndrome.
Sports Events
Athletes will compete in a range of disciplines, including:
- Athletics
- Shot Put
- Softball Throw
- Skating
- Swimming
- Bocce
Participants
- Member countries across the Asia Pacific region are invited to send their athletes, coaches, and delegates.
- Each athlete’s participation highlights the importance of equal opportunities in sports for persons with Down syndrome.
- The presence of families, volunteers, and partner organizations will further strengthen the spirit of unity and inclusion.
Beyond Sports
- The Games coincide with the APDSF Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Medical Committee Meeting, offering an opportunity for collaboration among professionals and organizations.
- Together, these efforts aim to promote advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for persons with Down syndrome across the region.
Let us join hands to make the APDSF Games 2026 a celebration of talent, teamwork, and triumph — a step forward toward a more inclusive Asia Pacific community.
Download the attached form and send it to us – info@apdsf.org along with the Karyotype report and X-Ray for ruling out Atlanto Axial Instability, as mentioned in the form.
BASIC RULES
- Events to follow Special Olympics divisioning rules – grouping by ability and age
categories.
a. Sub Juniors – 10-13 years
b. Juniors – 14-16 Years
c. Seniors – 17-19 Years
d. Masters – 20+ Years - Sub-junior, junior, senior, and master categories with further division based on
ability and entries. - Each participant to provide the following for Divisioning purposes
a. Running – Average Timing for the distance the athlete will be participating in
b. Swimming – Average Timing for the distance the athlete will be participating
in
c. Skating – Average Timing for the distance the athlete will be participating in
d. Shot-Put and Soft ball throw – Average distance thrown by the athlete. - Minimum of 3 participants per event required in order to conduct the event; if less
number of participants are there, the events may be conducted as a gender-neutral
one where both boys and girls compete together. - Event Organizer’s decision will be final.
- Procure the Travel insurance for all travellers coming from your country.
- PLEASE NOTE: A 15% honest effort rule as applicable will be followed. You can
find it in Section J of the Special Olympics Bharat Guidelines book, whose link is
shared below. So please ensure that you send us the right inputs.