What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics (SO) is an international organisation providing year-round sports training and competition to people with an intellectual disability. The program provides athletes with an opportunity to develop physical fitness, participate in the sharing of skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the wider community.
What are the benefits of Special Olympics?
- improved physical fitness and motor skills
- greater self-confidence
- a more positive self-image
Adults and children taking part in Special Olympics grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but “their voices” as well.
Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To join Special Olympics you must be 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.
What is the minimum age to join Special Olympics?
The minimum age requirement for participation in Special Olympics competition is 8 years of age. Some Accredited Programs may permit children who are at least 6 years old to participate in age-appropriate Special Olympics training programs or in specific (and age-appropriate) cultural or social activities offered during the course of a Special Olympics event (for example, monthly discos). However, no child may participate in a Special Olympics competition (or be awarded medals or ribbons associated with competition) before his or her 8th birthday.
What is the difference between the Special Olympics and Paralympics?
Special Olympics has a program that focuses on year round sports training for all people with an intellectual disability, not only elite athletes. Many Special Olympic athletes are involved in more than one sport. The Paralympics is an event which runs parallel to the Olympic Games and is for athletes with a physical or intellectual disability who are elite in their sport.