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Logo - Special Olympics Northern California - Celebrating 30 Years

Become an Athlete in San Mateo County

Join free, year-round sports programs in your community—stay active, have fun, and connect with others!

Register to be an Athlete
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A Community Of Champions

We believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy of sports. Special Olympics offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. Our trained coaches help everyone from beginner to advanced athletes and provide modifications for every ability level. No matter the disability, every athlete is welcome in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Northern California provides FREE year-round sports, health and leadership programs for more than 23,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

  • 10 Sports offered in San Mateo County
  • Year-round training & competitions
  • Connect with peers in surrounding cities & counties
  • Athletes ages 8 to 80+ year old welcome
  • 200+ local & regional competitions per year
  • Lead healthier lives—on & off the field
Be An Athlete - San Mateo County - Apply

Apply to Become a Special Olympics Athlete

Complete your application for the 2026 sports season!

Become an Athlete
Be An Athlete - San Mateo County - Basketball Registration Open

Register for 2026 Basketball Season

Sign up November 10-30!

Register for Basketball

Experience the joys of competing as a Special Olympics athlete!

View time: 2 min

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Sports Offered in San Mateo County and Registration Periods

Basketball

Register between November 10 – 30 of the previous year

Bocce, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field

Register between February 1 – 21

Golf, Softball

Register between May 15 – June 5

Flag Football, Soccer (August – November)

Register between July 15 – August 5

Bowling (September – November)

Register between August 4 – 29

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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy of sports. Special Olympics offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. Our trained coaches help everyone from beginner to advanced athletes and provide modifications for every ability level. No matter the disability, every athlete is welcome in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities. An intellectual disability (or ID) is used to describe certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication, learning and self-care.

Athletes can begin training at age 6 and compete at age 8. There is no maximum age limit for Special Olympics.

For athletes younger than 6 years old, please visit our Young Athletes Program page to see what opportunities may exist in your community.

No. As of October 7, 2024, athletes are no longer required to complete a medical examination as part of the Athlete Application process. Although this is no longer required Special Olympics still encourages annual doctor visits as a good way to maintain your health and wellness.

Special Olympics offers up to 11 different sports in 43 counties across Northern California. Visit the Find a Program page to learn about programs in your area.

In addition to 11 different sports, Special Olympics Northern California athletes may participate in:

  • Schools Partnership Program – The Schools Partnership Program, which includes our flagship Unified Champion Schools (R), helps ignite friendships and belonging between students with and without disabilities. Programming spans Pre-K to Transition schools, and includes an inclusive sports curriculum, youth leadership and resources for educators.
  • Athlete Leadership – Training in public speaking, advocacy and professional-development skills.
  • Health & Wellness – Health screenings, resources and classes, virtual social activities and more.