Special Olympics offers 22 sports for athletes to practice and compete in, many of them lifetime sports that allow athletes to participate at any age.
Benefits of Participation
There are many benefits to participating as an athlete with Special Olympics Texas:
- Physical exercise positively impacts health, mood and anxiety.
- Emphasis on sports training helps athletes maintain a healthy weight.
- Athletes participate in activities that enhance their self-esteem and help them see that they can achieve goals that they set for themselves.
- Athletes have many opportunities to make new friends and socialize in an environment that is accepting and encouraging.
- Travel opportunities allow athletes to gain life experiences and skills that will positively impact all areas of their lives.
- The Athlete Leadership Programs offer athletes opportunities to get involved in decision-making, public speaking, and leadership roles in their communities.
Eligibility
To compete in Special Olympics, a person must be at least eight years old. Children at the age of six may begin a training program, but are not able to compete until the age of eight. A person must also be identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following:
- Intellectual Disabilities [Mental Retardation].
- Closely related development disability, which means having functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self direction, or self care.
Enrollment
To enroll, complete an Athlete Enrollment/Medical Release Form and submit it to your local area director.
