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. Age Requirements There is no maximum age limitation for participation in Special Olympics. The minimum age requirement for participation in competition is eight. Children who are at least six years old can participate in age-appropriate training programs, however not every delegation is able to accomodate six and seven year olds.

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). The most common intellectual disabilities Special Olympics athletes have are mental retardation, Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders. 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 Below are the series of forms an athlete must complete in order to begin the registration process at the State Office. • Unified Partner Application This form is only needed for Unified Sports partners. Partners are athletes who do not have a disability, but individuals who can train and compete in certain sports as particpants alongside our athletes. • Application for Participation (Medical) and Consent Form This link contains all the forms necessary for an athlete to participate. • Athlete Consent Form Only the adult version of the consent form, for those over 18. • Healthy Athletes Release This completed form allows athletes to participate in any of our health screenings at events. If you download forms from this site, please leave any references to "Area" and "Delegation" open. We'll help you determine what delegations may work best for you based on the athlete's location, interests and age. Completed forms may be mailed to: Special Olympics Minnesota Attn: New Athlete Placement 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 550 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Athlete Placement Once we receive and verify the completed forms, we'll be back in touch with you regarding placement options. This typically takes a few weeks, but it could be longer around heavy competition times. Because training and competition are considered equally important in the Special Olympics experience, there are deadlines by which athlete placement referrals must be made according to sport season:  December 15               Winter Sports (Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating, Poly Hockey, Snowboarding & Table Tennis)  January 15 Spring Sports (Aquatics, Basketball & Powerlifting )  March 15 Summer Sports (Athletics, Gymnastics, Tennis & Volleyball)  June 1 Fall Sports (Bocce, Equestrian, Golf & Softball)  August 15 Bowling If you have questions at any time, please contact Pam Bergerson, Vice President of Program. If you are sending an e-mail and would like an information packet, please include a mailing address in your e-mail.