Become an Athlete
Athlete Registration
Potential Athletes Must:
- Be identified as having an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability.
- Be eight years of age or older.
- Be registered with the SOSD State Office
- Complete mandatory training requirements.
- 15 hours training 8 weeks prior to competition (15 games instead of 15 hours for bowling)
- Submit the appropriate registration materials by the designated due dates for eac.
Get Involved
Athletes compete as part of a Local Delegation. Local Delegations are located in many communities throughout the state of South Dakota. Find a Local Delegation near you to get started (Note you are not limited to those listed). Additional information for athletes can be found at:
Official
- Athletics (Track and Field)
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Equestrian
- Football (Soccer)
- Power lifting
- Snowshoeing
- Softball
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Winter Games
Special Olympics is unique in that it accommodates competitors at all ability levels by assigning them to competition divisions based on previous performances or preliminary heats. In this way, all athletes get a chance to compete against others of equal ability.
Additional Information
- We follow the National Governing Body rules of each sport.
- Athletes train prior to competition.
- Qualified coaches train participants.
- Sports are adapted to allow athletes of all ability levels to participate.
- Athletes compete in divisions made up of individuals with equal ability levels. (typically no less than 3 and never more than 8)
Step 1: Athletes are divided by gender. Female athletes compete against other female athletes and male athletes against other male athletes. When a relay team consists of both male and female athletes, the team is considered a “male” team and competes in a male division.
Step 2: Athletes are then divided by age. This is an athletes age on the opening date of the competition. Age Groups: 8-11, 12-15, 16-21, 22-29, 30+
Step 3: To complete the division process, athletes are then divided by ability. In some instances age groups need to be broadened. In those cases, athletes within the new age groups will be re-ranked and grouped into divisions. This process must be repeated until the highest and lowest scores within each division are as similar as possible
- All participants receive an award.
- Athletes and family members are not charged a fee to participate.
- Athletes who meet specified training requirements are eligible for Local, Area, and State Games.
- World Games are held every two years on odd years with Winter Games and Summer Games alternating. Competitors from the United States participate as part of Special Olympics USA.
- National Games are conducted every four years on even numbered years.
- Athletes eligible for National and World Games must complete an application and are chosen by a random draw.
