ATHLETES

Champions in the making

Special Olympics athletes are the heart of our movement. When you participate in Special Olympics you have the chance to run hard, jump hard, play hard and laugh hard. You will have opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills and discover your independence. Confidence, self-esteem and teamwork are just some of the benefits of involvement in sports. For many athletes, Special Olympics is a path to empowerment, competence, acceptance, joy and friendship.

No matter your ability level, you can enjoy Special Olympics. Twenty-four individual and team sports are offered. Best of all, athletes participate FREE of charge. The financial and in-kind support of sponsors, donors and families make it possible for athletes to never be charged a fee to compete!

Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity to expand beyond competition, by participating in the Healthy Athletes program or the Athlete Leadership Program, which trains athletes to become coaches, officials or public speakers.

Special Olympics means something different to everyone. Some athletes are proudest of the medals they have won; others say it is the friends they have made. Many athletes report that participating in Special Olympics has helped them become more confident, independent people. What will Special Olympics mean to you?

Eligibility

Special Olympics training and competition is open to every person with intellectual disabilities who is at least eight years of age, have a current Medical and Release and who registers to participate in Special Olympics as required by the general rules.

Age Requirements

There is no maximum age limitation for participation in Special Olympics. The minimum age requirement for participation in Special Olympics is eight years of age. Children who are six and seven years old can participate in Under Eight Can't Wait local area training programs, where available. Young Athletes is a new sports play program for athletes 2 1/2 to 7. No child may participate in Special Olympics statewide competitions before his or her eighth birthday.

For additional information contact:

Tracy Roberts
Unified Sports^® & Young Athletes Program Manager
602.476.0839 - direct line
Tracy@SpecialOlympicsArizona.org

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ATHLETES

Champions in the making

Eligibility

Age Requirements