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Becoming an Athlete
What Special Olympics Can Do
Through participation in Special Olympics, lives of people with a mental disability have been greatly enhanced. When given opportunities and support, such individuals can:
- Benefit from educational opportunities;
- Be productive in the work force;
- Be far more independent than was previously believed possible; and
- Achieve success in sport.
Special Olympics programs address the critical areas of:
- Fitness;
- Development delay in basic motor skills;
- Proper use of leisure time;
- Development of social and interpersonal skills; and
- Enhancement of self-image through sport.
In focussing on the above areas, Special Olympics:
- Includes activities which are appropriate for a wide range of ability groups and ages;
- Considers the readiness of the individual;
- Allows individuals to make choices in terms of the selection of sports or activities that they enjoy;
- Provides athletes with an opportunity to travel and demonstrate their skills at various levels of competition (regional, provincial/territorial, national, international);
- Enhances public awareness of the potential of individuals with a mental disability in sport; and
- Provides a setting for the development of physical, emotional and social skills.
Athlete Eligibility for Participation Form
Athlete Eligibility for Participation (pdf)
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