Athletes Overview

Special Olympics Minnesota serves 7,100 athletes with intellectual disabilities, providing them with year-round sports training and competition opportunities. In all, more than 2.5 million athletes from nearly 200 countries around the world benefit from participation in Special Olympics.

No matter what your ability level, you can enjoy Special Olympics. No matter what your sport — basketball, bocce, bowling — we've got you covered. Special Olympics Minnesota organizes and runs more than 80 competitions each year, and we are always looking to add more opportunities for you.

Special Olympics means something different to everyone. Some of our athletes are most proud of the medals they've won. Others talk about the friends that they've made. Many athletes say that participating in Special Olympics has helped them become more confident, independent people.

What will Special Olympics Minnesota mean to you?

Athlete Oath

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Athlete Pages

Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)

Become an Athlete

Athlete Code of Conduct (PDF)

Healthy Athletes

Sports Offered

Unified Sports