Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Participation in Special Olympics training and competition is open to all persons with (or without) intellectual disabilities who meet the age requirements, regardless of the level or degree of that person's disability.
What is the age requirement?
Special Olympics training and competition is open to every person with (or without) intellectual disabilities who is at least eight years of age. There is no maximum age requirement. According to the rules of Special Olympics, athletes who are at least six years of age may participate; however, he/she may not participate in Special Olympics competition before his/her eighth birthday.
What are intellectual disabilities?
According to Special Olympic general rules, a person is considered to have intellectual disabilities if that person satisfies any one of the following requirements:
a. The person has been identified by a professional as having intellectual disabilities
b. The person has cognitive delays, determined by formal assessment.
c. The person has significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delays that require specially designed instruction. However, persons whose limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioral, or emotional disability, are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes, but may volunteer as partners.
MORE