Special Olympics

The Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) offers opportunities to train and compete in Olympic-style sports year round.

Competing athletes are individuals with intellectual disabilities. They are supported by Unified Sports® partners, who are individuals without intellectual disabilities, who are the athletes’ teammates.

To participate, athletes must be at least eight years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions:

• Intellectual disabilities
• Cognitive delays as measured by a formal assessment
• Significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require specially designed instruction

For children with intellectual disabilities ages two through seven, they may sign up for the Special Olympics Young Athletes™ program.

A parent or guardian must also complete the following forms:

• Valid medical form, signed by a licensed medical examiner
• Release form
• Athlete interest form

Visit SOCT to learn more about how to become an athlete.

SOCT brings athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together to play sports, gain physical fitness and develop friendships.

Local chapters may have varying programs such as meals, parties and more.

This service is provided at no fee for Special Olympics athletes or their families.