Participation in Special Olympics is free!

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Individuals eight years old and up, identified by a medical agency or professional as having an intellectual disability can compete. There is also a Young Athletes Program available for children ages 2-7. Buncombe County Special Olympics offers year round sports training and competition in 9 different sports:

• Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding
• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Basketball
• Bocce
• Cheerleading
• Gymnastics
• Powerlifting
• Soccer

Athlete Participation Form
http://sonc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Athlete-Participation-Packet-2018.pdf

Spanish Version
http://www.sonc.net/wp-content/uploads/Athlete-Participation-Form-Spanish.pdf

As part of the athlete participation form, the future athlete must have a medical examination done by a medical professional (doctor, PA, or family, registered or pediatric nurse practitioner).

Athlete Code of Conduct
http://sonc.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Athlete-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

What is intellectual disability?

Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18 (per American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities).