Become an Athlete

Special Olympics training and competition is open to every person with intellectual disabilities who is at least eight years of age and provides a completed Medical Form (PDF, 16K) and Release Form (PDF, 2.3MB).  

Eligibility

Persons eligible for Special Olympics include:

• Persons age eight and above who are considered to have intellectual disabilities* as determined by their localities.
• Persons who have closely related developmental disabilities** such as those who have functional limitations, both in general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care.

Note: people with functional limitations based solely on a physical, behavioral, emotional, specific learning disability, or sensory disability are not eligible.

*Any person eight (8) years of age or older who is identified as having intellectual disabilities by an agency or a professional in any given local area is considered eligible for Special Olympics. Other terms that may be used synonymously with intellectual disabilities include: cognitive disabilities, or intellectual disabilities. (Persons ages six through seven are eligible for Special Olympics training.) 

**When the term “intellectual disabilities” or other similar descriptor is not used to identify the person in a local area, eligibility should be determined by whether or not the person has functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills. “Developmental disability” is the term most often used to describe persons with both limitations. Other terms that may be used synonymously with developmental disability are developmental handicap, developmentally delayed or severe disabilities.

How to Participate

Request and fill out Athlete Medical Form (PDF, 16K) and Release Form (PDF, 2.3MB). This information will allow us to find a local training program for the athlete. You can e-mail Kristen Panzini at Kristen@specialolympicsri.org to request the forms or download the forms here.

Upon receipt of the Athlete Medical/Release Forms, Special Olympics Rhode Island will refer the athlete information to appropriate local team. Within 2-3 weeks you will receive a call from the Head Coach and receive an information packet about upcoming activities or events.

All athletes must have completed Medical/Release Forms on file at the Special Olympics Rhode Island State Office before taking part in a Special Olympics training program.