BECOME AN ATHLETE

OUR SPORTS PROGRAM

It's much more than training and competition!

Sports training and competition gives people with developmental disabilities the chance to demonstrate to the world all they are capable of achieving. It provides a forum to compete not only in sports but in life. Currently, 13,000 developmentally disabled children and adults in Northern California Northern Californians participate in a Special Olympics program. 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.
Currently, Northern California offers year round sports training and
competition in 12 Olympic-style sports.

Eligibility Developmentally disabled persons age eight years or older are eligible to train and compete in Special Olympics. Children between 5 and 7 years old are eligible to train, but cannot compete until eight years of age. 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. Developmental disability manifests before age 18.

Procedure The only requirement to participate in Special Olympics is the completion of our "Application for Participation" form. 

The application must be completed by a parent, care provider or adult athlete and requires the signature of a licensed medical practitioner after a brief medical exam. 

Once the form has been completed and is on file with your local area program office, the athlete can participate in any sports training that they wish. 

Athletes do not need any experience to participate in any of our sports trainings.  Download the "Applicaton for Participation" form. 

Download the form in Spanish. 

Return form to Donna Romero, Special Olympics, 3480 Buskirk Ave., #340 , Pleasant Hill , CA 94523. View the Athlete's Code of Conduct.


Interested In Joining? To have an Participants' registration form sent to you, please contact us and your information will be forwarded to your local Special Olympics office.