Commonly Asked Questions
How do I sign up for Special Olympics?
As with all programs, there are some administration details that need to be taken care of before an athlete starts in a Special Olympics program. Listed below are the steps taken to get an athlete involved in a program.
- Fill out the attached Athlete Interest Form. This will give us basic information which will better help us place an individual into an appropriate sports program.
- Upon receipt of the Athlete Participation Inquiry Form, Special Olympics Connecticut will refer the athlete information to the appropriate Area/Regional Director. Usually within 2-3 weeks you will receive a call from the Area/Regional Director as well as an information packet about upcoming area/regional activities or events. All athletes must have completed an Application for Participation Form and Official Special Olympics Release Form prior to participating in a Special Olympics training program. You will receive these forms with your information packet.
- Based on your sports interest and where you live, you will be referred to a local training program.
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What is a local training program?
A local training program is where Special Olympics athletes learn and practice the skills necessary to compete in Special Olympics competitions. Athletes are involved in these practice sessions for a minimum of 8 weeks prior to a State competition for at least 2 hours per session at least once a week. Athletes are required to take part in these training sessions in order to participate in any competition.
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What is a Regional Director?
A Regional Director is a volunteer/paid staff member, respectively, who is responsible for the administration and operation of a Special Olympics program over a geographic region of the state. The Regional Director works closely with the Special Olympics Connecticut Headquarters to insure that all rules, regulations, policies and other information is communicated to all local training programs. The Regional Director is the key individual in ensuring that a quality Special Olympics program is organized in his or her area/region.
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I'm unsure as to whether an individual is appropriate to participate in Special Olympics. What do I do?
Please read the Special Olympics Eligibility Statement, as all participants must fulfill this criteria in order to participate. If you are still unsure, please contact the teacher, recreation staff, group home staff, or other professional to determine if a person would benefit from participating in Special Olympics training and competition.
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Can I just sign up an athlete to compete?
No. In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in a Special Olympics competition , he/she must participate in at least 8 weeks of training with an accredited Special Olympics local training program prior to competition. Training sessions are where athletes learn the necessary skills in order to perform to their best potential in competition. Training sessions are generally held once or twice a week for about two hours per session, and are organized by volunteer Special Olympics coaches.
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What's the age range to participate?
Athletes age 6 and 7 can participate in Special Olympics training only. Athletes age 8 and over can participate in Special Olympics training and competition. There is no upper age limit in Special Olympics.
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Do you already have to be good in a sport to participate?
No. Because we emphasize sports training, our competitive divisions are based on skill ability. Also, because there is a wide range of events that athletes can participate in for each sport, all athletes, regardless of their skill ability in a given sport can train and compete in Special Olympics.
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What is Unified Sports®?
Unified Sports® is an addition to the Special Olympics Connecticut Program that promotes integration and inclusion. Simply defined, Unified Sports® is a team sports program where there are an equal number of Special Olympics eligible athletes playing on the same team with an equal number of non-disabled Special Partners. These teams practice and compete against other Unified Teams of the same ability level. Both Special Olympics Athletes and Special Partners are of similar age and skill ability which will allow for all team members to make a meaningful contribution to their team. For more information click here.
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How do I contact Special Olympics Connecticut?
Special Olympics Connecticut
2666-1 State Street
Hamden, CT 06517-2232
(800) 443-6105 or (203) 230-1201
Fax: (203) 230-1202
or Click here to contact us online
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