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 Medical Form, Athlete Information Form and 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.  The  Athlete Medical Form is good for  3 years then must be renewed  by  your nurse or physician.
      ---- 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
Sports  training is open to athletes as young as eight years old. Athletes under the age of eight are welcome to participate in our Young Athletes program 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.

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: