It is difficult as a parent of a child with special needs to find opportunities for them explore different athletic activities that focuses his or her strengths. Special Olympics provides this opportunity as well as positive experiences for those that participate in a variety of Special Olympic events and volunteers that make these events possible.
Special Olympics is a nonprofit organization that is well known around the world. Its goal is to promote opportunities in which individuals with and without special needs can interact with one another in a positive way that supports understanding and acceptance. Currently there are 2.5 million individuals that participate in Special Olympics.
Can My Child Participate?
You may be wondering what the criteria is for children with special needs to participate in Special Olympics events. In order for your child to participate in Special Olympics, he or she must:
- Be at least 8 years old
- Identified as having an intellectual disability, cognitive delay, significant learning problems or vocational
- Require specially designed instruction
It is important to note that if your child is younger than 8 years of age, there is a program for children ages 2 through 7, Special Olympics Young Athletes program. There are several events in which children with special needs in this age range can participate in.
Which Events Can My Child Participate In?
There are a variety of sports that children with special needs can participate in. The following are Special Olympics Official Sports that they can participate in:
- Alpine Skiing
- Aquatics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Cross Country Skiing
- Cycling
- Bocce
- Equestrian
- Figure Skating
- Floor Hockey
- Football (Soccer)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Judo
- Powerlifting
- Roller Skating
- Sailing
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Softball
- Speed Skating
- Table Tennis
- Team Handball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
How Can My Child Sign Up?
If your child is interested in participating in Special Olympics, first contact your child's teacher to see whether or not their school already has a Special Olympics' team. Some schools already have a Special Olympics team set up. Even if your child's school does not have a team, you would still have to have the following forms completed:
- Athlete Registration Form
- Athlete Release Form
Both forms can be located on the Special Olympics' official website, www.specialolympics.org.
Special Olympics is a great organization that provides an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in a variety of sports and interact with their nondisabled peers. If you have further questions about Special Olympics, please visit their website, www.specialolympics.org.
