Competitive Cheer became a Recognized Sport in March 2019 and offers competition for both Special Olympics traditional and Unified teams. Athletes can show their spirit in Routine and Game Day events through two levels of competition.
Participants will be divisioned by Special Olympics South Dakota by ability and number of squads registered for the competition.
This sport offers a Unified option. This gives individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities a chance to compete on the same team.
Coaches: registrations will be due to your Area Director on January 26th.
Sports certifications must be updated every three years. Please click here to verify which coaching level you are at and take the proper courses to recertify your coaching status.
Please reach out to coachesed@sosd.org with any questions at any time.
Coaching Forms
- Beginner – Competition shall consist of each squad of cheerleaders performing three cheers in a time limit of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Intermediate – Competition shall consist of each squad of cheerleaders performing a music routine as well as three cheers in a time limit of 2 minutes.
- Routines can consist of choreographed performances, yells, jumps, high kicks, somersaults, and gymnastics moves.
Competition Season
Cheerleading competition season takes place from January through March.
Special Olympics South Dakota Cheer Handbook
The Special Olympics South Dakota Cheer Handbook, and SOSD rules and guidelines will govern all cheer competitions sanctioned by SOSD.
All cheerleaders should receive proper training before attempting any form of cheerleading gymnastics (e.g. tumbling, partner stunts, and jumps).