State Basketball
March 29-30, 2025
Mitchell
2025 Basketball Handbook:
NEW Athlete Registration Process
Athlete Registration and Medical Forms
Special Olympics has made significant changes to its athlete registration process, transitioning from the Athlete Medical Form to a more streamlined system comprised of the Athlete Registration Form and Renewal Form. This change makes the registration process easier for athletes and families by removing the barrier of getting a physical examination prior to participation. The Athlete Registration Form still ensures that essential health information is collected, and the Renewal Form provides annual updates.
The new Athlete Registration Form is simplified. It includes only essential health questions and gathers personal demographics, information about assistive devices used, and medications. We believe it is the minimal essential information that all coaches should know about their athletes.
To paraphrase, athletes are no longer required to have a physical exam in order to participate in Special Olympics.
Once this new system is fully implemented:
- All athletes (existing and new) will complete the Athlete Registration Form. This is a one-time form.
- Annually, ALL Athletes/guardians/caregivers will complete the Renewal Form. (This form will be available to you in the future).
We are in the process of determining how we are going to complete this change-over fully. For now, please have:
- All new athletes
- All athletes with expiring medicals complete the Athlete Registration Form.
As always, be sure to give the State Office a copy.
Note: You will not use the Renewal Form until instructed.
New Athlete Interest Form
If you are new to Special Olympics South Dakota and are looking for a delegation to be part of, please click here:
"Let me win, But if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt."
Athlete Oath
The Mission of Special Olympics South Dakota is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
WHAT WE DO
SPORTS
We offer training & competition in 12 state-level sports. In Unified Sports, athletes with & without intellectual disabilities play on the same team.
SCHOOLS
Our Unified Champion Schools empower students to make their schools more inclusive and welcoming to people of all abilities.
INITIATIVES
We improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities by promoting fitness through programs like Fit5 & providing free health screenings at state-wide events. The Athlete Leadership Council has our Special Olympics athletes be at the front of decision-making for events.
Upcoming Sports Events
Northeast Area Basketball Tournament
February 14, 2025 @ 8:30 am - 5:00 pmBlack Hills Area Basketball Tournament
February 22, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pmRapid City, 57701 United States + Google Map
Southeast Area Basketball Tournament
March 1, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pmHarrisburg, SD 57032 United States + Google Map
2025 State Basketball Tournament
March 28, 2025 - March 30, 2025Upcoming Fundraising Events
Polar Plunge – Rapid City
February 23, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pmRapid City, 57701 United States + Google Map
Polar Plunge – Spearfish
March 15, 2025Spearfish, 57783 United States + Google Map