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There are currently more than 13,000 registered athletes in Ontario participating in an average of at least two Special
Olympics sport programs per year. The health benefits individuals receive from sport and recreation programs are widely known.
Participation in physical activity promotes balance, co-ordination, body control and improves total physical fitness.
Athlete
Eligibility Participation
In order to be eligible for participation in Special Olympics, an individual with an
intellectual disability must agree to observe and abide by the SOC Sports Rules.
Benefits
Physical fitness and conditioning
Increase in sports skill level and competitive skills
Increase in self confidence and social skills
Integrated training and competitive opportunities available
How do I Become an Athlete?
Determine
which Special Olympics region you belong to and visit their respective section of the website. You can view a list of sports
that are available in each community in your region. Once you have identified which community and sport you would like to
participate in, simpy contact the respective Community Coordinator or Community Development Coordinator for that area. They
can give you more information about the sport club and the phone number for the Head Coach. All you need to do is call and
let the coach know you are coming to the next practice!
The coach will provide you with a registration form. This
provides us with a way to contact you and to ensure you are covered by our accident/injury insurance.
Is Special
Olympics for everyone?
Individuals of all ages and all abilities can train and compete in Special Olympics. No
matter what the level of ability, anyone with an intellectual disability is eligible. Athletes compete against and with other
athletes of similar ability.
We offer sport-specific, integrated, and parallel training and competition environments.
When is the next Special Olympics?
Special Olympics Ontario' sport training clubs and local competitions
take place every day in communities across the province. We also host provincial games every four years.
How old
do I have to be to join SOO?
Throughout the year, athletes of all ages, young and old, participate in weekly training
programs in local facilities in every community.
When are your sport training programs?
Most of our
sport training programs take place during the evenings and weekends. However, we do have some that run during the day. Most
competitions are held on the weekend.
Where are your clubs? Does it matter where I live?
Anyone can
join a program in any community. It makes no difference where you live!
What is the cost? What if I can't afford
it?
There is usually a small cost (which varies by sport club) to join each sport club (check with the coach).
NO ATHLETE SHALL WILL EVER BE DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY TRAINING OR COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES
BASED ON LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES
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