New To Special Olympics? You’ve Come to the Right Place!
Are you unsure if your athlete is eligible for Special Olympics Indiana?
Read the information below about athlete eligibility.
Persons are eligible for Special Olympics competition provided that they are 8 years of age or older (those ages 2 to 7 are eligible for the Young Athletes™ Program); AND have been identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability; OR have a closely related developmental disabilities such as those who have functional limitations,both in general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care.
NOTE: People with functional limitations based solely on a physical, behavioral, emotional, specific learning disability, or sensory disability are not eligible. Special Olympics does not determine whether or not a person has an intellectual disability, but bases eligibility on the identification made by an agency or a professional. For specific questions on eligibility, contact the State Office.
Okay, I’ve determined by athlete is eligible. What do I do next?
You will need to register your athlete with his/her county program. Special Olympics Indiana currently has programs in 74 counties, so chances are we’re in your county! Your next step is to contact your county’s coordinator about signing your athlete up. For a list of county coordinators and their contact information, please click here.
You will need to complete an athlete application for participation and a medical form. This will be given to you by your County Coordinator. The County Coordinator will explain to your what sports are offered, when practices are, and other opportunities that exist for your athlete.
* NOTE – If you live in a county that does not currently have a Special Olympics program, you are free to join a county of your choice.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Lindsay Lambert. Special Olympics Indiana is an exciting, welcoming organization – let us be the first to say, welcome to the family!
Click here to read a testimonial by a family member about what Special Olympics has done for their family!
Be a part of the fun.
Sign your athlete up for Special Olympics Indiana today!
More than nine out of 10 participating families say that Special Olympics has added a new dimension of happiness for their family, improved their child's self image and served as a strong network for the family.