Become an Athlete
Special Olympics athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities who are like other athletes – they love to train, compete and do their best, whether they win or lose.
All the programs offered in Southern California provide athletes with the chance to develop physical fitness, sports skills, social skills and self-esteem. By joining Special Olympics an athlete can meet new friends and experience great rewards in achieving the best that they can.
Competitions for all ages & abilities
Special Olympics Southern California provides opportunities for athletes of all ages across three program categories. To be eligible to participate in the Young Athletes, Traditional, or Unified Sports programs, athletes must complete an Athlete Application and submit a Medical Form completed and signed by a licensed medical examiner. Check out our programs below!
Young Athletes
For children ages 2-7, Young Athletes prepares participants for Special Olympics training and competition. Athletes are introduced to basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing, and offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.
Traditional
For athletes who are at least 8 years old, and who are identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disability, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that have required specially designed instruction.
Unified Sports
Unified Sports is a program in which people with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and those without (partners) train and compete together on sports teams. It was inspired by a simple principle: playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. We encourage athletes and partners to join!