Who Is Eligible To Participate in Special Olympics?

Throughout Maryland there are over 100,000 persons with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities who can benefit from Special Olympics Maryland’s sports programs.

Eligible athletes are all children and adults, at least eight-years-old, with an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a closely related developmental disability. Children ages two through seven, may participate in Special Olympics' Young Athlete Program, but may not compete.

Eligible athletes have functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills.  This typically includes all individuals with intellectual disabilities, combination deaf-blindness, autism, traumatic brain injury, and most individuals with cerebral palsy and specific learning disabilities.  

All persons who meet the above eligibility requirements must register to participate by submitting:

1)  A completed Athlete Registration Form, which contains medical information and certification.  This form must be signed by adult athlete, parent or guardian and by a medical professional.

2) A completed Athlete Release Form, to be signed by an adult athlete or by the parent/guardian of a minor athlete concerning medical matters and permissions concerning publicity.

3) If applicable, a special release form for athletes or parents concerning the potential risks of Atlanto-axial instability in athletes with Down syndrome.  

Finally, all athletes by virtue of registering with Special Olympics Maryland, agree to abide by the athlete Code of Conduct.