Become an Athlete
United through athletics.
Special Olympics provide an accepting, safe and healthy environment for all individuals with intellectual disabilities. This program believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Families are strengthened – and the community, through participation and observation, is united in understanding these citizens in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
Special Olympics has a guide for families with young children with intellectual disabilities. “Realizing the Bright Future of Your Child with an Intellectual Disability” is a valuable tool that outlines treatments, therapies, supports and services that can help a child with ID reach their potential throughout their life.
ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY
To Be Eligible To Participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least eight years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially-designed instruction to read more about the enrollment process.
You may also download athlete related forms from our website. In order to train or compete in Special Olympics, an athlete must have a current Medical Application on file.
IMPACTS & BELIEF
Special Olympics athletes get along better in school, their community, and in life
Special Olympics athletes derive considerable intrinsic pleasure from solving difficult problems
Special Olympics athletes reach more and higher goals of self-esteem and success in general
Special Olympics athletes have better behavior, better habits and better general life skills
Steps to get started.
1
Step 1.
Download, review and complete the New Athlete Information Packet. To learn more about the sports opportunities for athletes, click here.
2
Step 2.
Athletes compete with teams in their local community. These teams are called Local Programs. You will want to connect with a local program near you. Find a Local Program based on your geographic location.
3
Step 3.
Alternatively, you can call the headquarters office at 913-236-9290 for assistance with finding a local program or questions about how to get started.
Required Forms.
ATHLETE REGISTRATION COVER LETTER
REGISTRATION AND RELEASE FORM / (Spanish Version) -This form asks for contact and other information. Required for new and returning athletes only. Not required for athletes who have been active and are completing an updated medical only.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES WAIVER – Required for all Athletes, Coaches, Unified Partners and Program Volunteers prior to attending an in-person practice or competition. This only has to be completed once ever.
MEDICAL FORM / (Spanish Version)
- Health History (Page 1-2) – Required to be completed by the athlete or parent/guardian/caregiver upon initial registration. This form is not required to be completed on a regular basis if there are no material changes to the athletes health or medications. A Local Program may require this more often within their discretion.
- Physical Exam (Page 3) – This form is designed to identify health concerns that are more common among people with intellectual disabilities and clear an athlete to participate. The Physical Exam section on page 3 should be filled out and signed by a licensed medical professional. AREAS INDICATED BY A STAR MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ACCEPTED.
- Medical Referral Form (Page 4) – Only needed if the athlete is not cleared by a licensed medical professional and additional evaluation is required.
To find out the status of your athlete’s forms, please contact your Region Director or the Special Olympics Kansas state office at pr@soks.org.
Resources.
Athlete Healthcare Provider Organizer
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
- Athlete Oath
ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT
All athletes are asked to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Click here to download the Athlete Code of Conduct.
STILL NEED HELP?
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
