In brief: The Special Olympics is a program of sports training and athletic competition for mentally retarded children and young adults. This article summarizes the injuries during the 1980 and 1981 New Jersey State Special Olympics. Eighty-seven of the 2,056 athletes as well as 47 spectators needed medical attention. There were only 58 athletic trauma injuries, and they were mild to moderate. Environmental factors were responsible for some heat cramps, fatigue, and sunburn. There were no seizures, medication problems, or difficulties related to the athletes' retardation. The injuries during the Special Olympics were similar in type and number to those in regular sports events. The results of this study show that it is safe for these athletes to participate in competitive sports.