Athletes

Special Olympics training and competition is open to any person with an intellectual disability who is at least eight years old and registers to participate in Special Olympics.  There is no fee to participate.

Age Requirements

There is no maximum age limitation for participation in Special Olympics. The minimum age requirement for participation in competition is eight. 

Identifying Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

For the purposes of determining if an individual is eligible to participate in Special Olympics, they must meet one of the following requirements:

• Has been identified by an agency or professional as having a intellectual disability as determined by their localities; or
• Has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient or "IQ" testing or other measures that are generally accepted within the professional community as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay; or
• Has a closely related developmental disability. A "closely related developmental disability" means having functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and in adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self-direction or self-care).

Individuals whose disabilities are based solely on a physical, behavioral or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, are not eligible to participate in Special Olympics as an athlete.

Participation Forms

• Please click here for athlete forms that you will need to fill out

Sports Offered

If you have questions at any time, please contact the Program Director at progdir@aol.com or 701-746-0331. If you are sending an e-mail and would like an information packet, please include a mailing address in your e-mail.