How to Compete in the Special Olympics

The Special Olympics officially began in Chicago, Illinois in 1968; however, the idea for the Olympics came years before when Eunice Kennedy Shriver hosted a day camp for people with disabilities at her home. Today, the Special Olympics has expanded to 165 countries around the world. There are more than 2.5 million athletes who currently compete and it's still growing. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine if you are eligible to participate. You must be at least 8 years old and an agency or professional must have diagnosed you with one of the following conditions: an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay or a functional limitation in learning and adaptive skills.
2. Contact your local chapter of the Special Olympics. Locate your chapter by going to the Special Olympics website and clicking on "find a location." Then select your state or country.
3. Complete the athlete registration form provided by your local program. This form asks for personal information such as address and phone number. It also requires medical information and certification.
4. Submit the athlete release form which needs to be signed by an adult athlete or the parent or guardian of a minor athlete. This form is provided by your local program.
5. Select a sport that interests you. The Special Olympics offers 30 individual and team spots; however, not all sports are available in all local programs. Check your local program to obtain a current list of sports available.
6. Wait for your coach to contact you and then commit yourself to regular practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Special Olympics also offers a Motor Activity Training Program for individuals with severe limitations.