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.
HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE
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:
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:
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.
HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE
- Complete the on-line registration in the Registration Portal.
(This is general information that all athletes, coaches, unified partners, volunteers, etc. must complete in order to be involved with Special Olympics Arkansas). - Download and complete the official Athlete Registration Packet .
- The very first time you are registering to compete in Special Olympics Arkansas, you must complete the US Athlete Registration Packet.
- For Athletes who are renewing their registration, you will only need to complete the US Athlete Registration Renewal Form.
- Please attach your completed forms to your profile in the Registration portal from your current profile (Contact your HOD if help is needed)
- Review the Athlete's Code of Conduct and our Safety Protocols web page.
- Have your family check out the Family Handbook
- See you at competitions!
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:
