Athletes

Athletic training and competition gives people with intellectual 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 TO BECOME AN ATHLETE:
  1. Complete the on-line Athlete Interest Form

  2. Download the Athlete Participation Packet. 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.  The  Athlete Medical Form is good for  3 years then must be renewed  by  your nurse or physician
            Athlete Participation Packet
    ​      ​Click below for individual forms included in the above packet:
               Athlete Medical Form
               Athlete Medical Form Spanish
               Athlete Information Form
               Athlete Release Form
               Athlete  Release Form Spanish
               Athlete  Release Form for Downs Syndrome
  3. Review the Athlete's Code  of  Conduct  and Important information regarding athlete medicals sheet and our Safety Protocols web page.
  4. Email  the application to the Field Representative. To find your local representative   click  here.

  5. Someone  from your Area Management team will be in contact with you about the next steps  for  competing.  *Please note that the Area Management teams are volunteers and might be getting  back to you after normal work hours, due to this we try to have someone get  back to you within 2 business  days. 

  6. Have  your family check out the   Family Handbook 
    ​
  7. See  you at competitions!

*If  you have not been contacted and you need further assistance please reach out to  our home office at 501-771-0222

ELIGIBILITY
Every person with an intellectual disability who is at least eight years of age is eligible to participate in Special Olympics.
Identifying Persons with Intellectual disabilities
A person is considered to have an intellectual disability for purposes of determining his or her eligibility to participate in Special Olympics if that person satisfies any one of the following requirements:
  •  The person has been identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability as determined by their localities; or
  • The person has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient or "IQ" testing or other measures which are generally accepted within the professional community in that Accredited Program's nation as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay; or
  •  The person has a closely related developmental disability. A "closely related developmental disability" means having functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and in adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care). However, persons whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioral, or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes, but may be eligible to volunteer for Special Olympics.

Athlete Frequently Asked Questions

IN  ADDITION TO SPORTS COMPETITIONS
Special Olympics Arkansas offers more than just sports competitions. To learn more of what SOAR has to offer check out  the programs  below: