Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Special Olympics?
A: Special Olympics is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to
providing year-round sports training and competition in a variety of
Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
Q: How old do you have to be to participate
in Special Olympics?
A: You must be 8 years of age and older with intellectual disabilities.
Exceptions are made for school age athletes in Pasco County. Coach
and or Teacher will base decision on athletes opportunity for success.
Q: How does an athlete register to
participate?
A: An application for participation and a medical form is required of
each athlete. A physician signs the medical form and the legal
guardian of a minor athlete completes the release form. The form
may be completed by the applicant if he/she is over 18 years old and is
acting as his/her own legal guardian. Please contact the Area
Coordinator for an application.
Q: Does Special Olympics offer programs for
athletes of all levels and abilities?
A: Special Olympics is available to all skill levels from individual
skills to team sports.
Q: How much does it cost to participate in
Special Olympics?
A: All Special Olympics programs are free to eligible athletes and are
made possible by the generous support from individuals and businesses
that believe in our athletes. Special Olympics receives no federal
funds and is almost exclusively supported by our continued community
support.
Q: What is Unified Sports?
A: Unified Sports is a Team experience that combines approximately equal
numbers of athletes with and without developmental disabilities of
similar age and ability. Non-developmentally disabled students not
only participate in the sports but can help out with coaching and
organizing as a way of fulfilling volunteer or community service
commitments.
Q: How can I be a volunteer and is there a
minimum age?
A: Volunteers are needed and necessary at every program level. A
Volunteer Application is required of each volunteer that is at least 14
years of age. Once an application is on file with the Special
Olympics office, the volunteer may begin working in his/her preferred
area. Please contact an Area Coordinator for an application.
Q: How can I become a coach?
A: Special Olympics is always looking for people to come and coaches.
All interested candidates please contact Area Coordinator to find out
more information.