Be an Athlete
Athletic training and competition gives people with developmental disabilities the chance to demonstrate to the world all they are capable of achieving. It provides a forum to compete not only in athletics but in life. Special Olympics' range of services, from motor activities programs to Unified Sports®, addresses the needs of individuals at their current functional level. It is a valuable support system that recognizes differences and celebrates accomplishments.
PROCEDURE
A simple application for participation that includes a medical and release form is required of each athlete. A physician signs the form and the guardian of a minor or adult athlete signs the release form. Once these forms have been completed and are on file with your local area program office, an athlete can begin attending local practices in his/her preferred sport. Download the Application for Participation form and view the Athlete's Code of Conduct.
ELIGIBILITY
Sports training is open to athletes as young as five years old. Developmentally disabled persons age eight years or older are eligible for competition. Developmental disability is characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, safety, functional academic, leisure and work. Developmental disability manifests before age 18.
BECOME AN ATHLETE
To request an athlete's registration form, please contact us or your local Field Representative/Area Director. To find your local representative click here. If you have any further questions or need more information please contact our office.
PROCEDURE
A simple application for participation that includes a medical and release form is required of each athlete. A physician signs the form and the guardian of a minor or adult athlete signs the release form. Once these forms have been completed and are on file with your local area program office, an athlete can begin attending local practices in his/her preferred sport. Download the Application for Participation form and view the Athlete's Code of Conduct.
ELIGIBILITY
Sports training is open to athletes as young as five years old. Developmentally disabled persons age eight years or older are eligible for competition. Developmental disability is characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, safety, functional academic, leisure and work. Developmental disability manifests before age 18.
BECOME AN ATHLETE
To request an athlete's registration form, please contact us or your local Field Representative/Area Director. To find your local representative click here. If you have any further questions or need more information please contact our office.
Be a Coach
Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics around the world. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are role models and character builders. Coaches give athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve. Coaches are the key to a successful sports experience for the Special Olympic Athlete.
HEAD COACH
SPORT VOLUNTEER
We need coaches to help with training and competition. Click here for a complete list of sports. To get involved with Special Olympics Arkansas as a coach, please contact Terri Weir.
HEAD COACH
- Undergoes classroom and hands on training and certification process designed specifically for the needs of a developmentally disabled athlete. For complete details on the certification process, please contact us.
- Primary contact person for sport. Maintains athletes' records and completes registration process for competition.
- Works with Special Olympics staff to select training site and time. Organizes practices with other coaches and all athletes.
- Attends competitions with the athletes. Liaison for upcoming Coaches Training and Certification schools, encourages assistant coaches to become certified.
SPORT VOLUNTEER
- Is not required to become certified, helps out with practices.
- Assists coach with assessing athlete skills.
- Not necessarily expert in sport but comes to practice 75% of the time.
- Does not travel to competitions unless asked by head coach.
We need coaches to help with training and competition. Click here for a complete list of sports. To get involved with Special Olympics Arkansas as a coach, please contact Terri Weir.
