Who are the athletes?
Persons are eligible for Special Olympics provided that they are 8 years of age or older and have been identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability or have a closely related developmental disabilities such as those who have functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self care. NOTE: People with functional limitations based solely on a physical, behavioral, emotional, specific learning disability, or sensory disability or not eligible. Special Olympics does not determine whether or not a person has a intellectual disability, but determines eligibility based on the identification made by an agency or a professional. For specific questions on eligibility, contact the State Office.