Become an Athlete

Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the Alaska. As part of our community they find success, joy and friendship. As athletes they realize abilities, not disabilities, becoming confident and empowered by their accomplishments.

We offer 14 Olympic-style sports in four Special Olympic Sport Seasons:

• Winter – December through March
• Summer – March through June
• Fall – June through September
• Bowling – August through November

Each season includes opportunities for competition on a local and state level.  All athletes have the chance to qualify and advance to National and World Games.

The athlete must:

1. Agree to observe and follow the Official Special Olympics Rules.
2. Be 8 years-of-age or older. An accredited program may allow children 6 or 7 years old to train, however they may not compete. There is no maximum age limit.
3. Identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability. Qualifications can include one or more of the following:
   • An agency or professional has identified the person as having an intellectual disability
   • The person has a cognitive delay as determined by standard measures, such IQ testing or other measures generally accepted within the professional community
   • The person has a closely related development disability, i.e. functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.

Persons with functional limitations based solely on physical, behavioral, emotional, sensory or specific disabilities are not eligible.

No person shall — on the grounds of gender, race, religion, color or national origin — be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of Special Olympics.

The athlete, or the athlete’s guardian, needs to contact their local Special Olympics Alaska program. A meeting will be scheduled to discuss the program, eligibility requirements and the athlete’s sport interests.

You can find your local Special Olympics Alaska community program here.

To become a registered athlete: A sports physical form for the athlete must be completed and signed by a licensed medical examiner. A release/consent form is also required for all athletes. For athletes under 18, the form much be signed by their parent or guardian.

Download an athlete registration packet here:

New Athlete Packet

Once the registration forms are submitted to the local program, the athlete will be connected with a coach and training can begin.

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