1. Are You Eligible for Special Olympics Games?
You need to meet several eligibility standards before participating in the Special Olympics. Every athlete needs to be at least 8 years old before the Games begin. Your disability must be identified by a qualified individual in a statement attached to your registration. The disability categories recognized by the Special Olympics include intellectual and developmental handicaps with many divisions underneath these categories. There is no fee for entering the Special Olympics, but registration must be completed before your arrival to the first event.
2. Get Registered With Special Olympics
Your registration with the Special Olympics involves three simple steps. A registration form is required from all participants who want to prove eligibility and physical capabilities. This form requires attached medical forms and histories to help organizers divide athletes into appropriate divisions. Your registration must be accompanied by the organization's release form which allows staff members and medical professionals to provide emergency services during events. You need to contact your local Special Olympics branch to complete registration and participate in qualifying events.
3. Stick to the Special Olympics Code of Conduct
The Special Olympics requires all athletes to adhere to a code of conduct with three categories of exemplary behavior. You can adhere to sportsmanship rules by observing regulations for individual sports, recognizing the authority of Special Olympics officials and respecting other competitors. Your commitment to exercise, practice and participation in local leagues helps fulfill the training provisions of the code of conduct. The third pillar of the Special Olympics conduct code is responsibility, which covers game behavior, attitude away from events and respect for the sanctity of the Games.
4. Onward and Upward in the Special Olympics
The Special Olympics hosts different event levels ranging from local to international competitions. You can advance in your sport by competing in each level of competition while achieving high ranks in each event. A swimmer who places first, second or third in local events can advance to regional and national competitions after completing the registration process. You can lock in your position in the Special Olympics with a total of 8 weeks of training with a coach or local team if you failed to attend events sanctioned by the organization. The flexibility of advancement rules is designed to balance access to events with the competitive spirit of handicapable athletes.
Member Comments