What disabilities are allowed for Special Olympics?
Special Olympics athletes are people who are 8 years old or older and who have an intellectual disability. There is no upper age limit, and in fact, nearly one-third of our athletes are age 22 or older. Our 30-plus sports are seasonal, so some are winter sports and some are summer sports.
In what ways have the Special Olympics benefited people with intellectual disabilities?
The Special Olympics experience fills a critical need in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and the demonstration of competence to themselves, their families and the community.
What IQ do you need for Special Olympics?
IQ is below 70-75. There are significant limitations in two or more adaptive areas (skills that are needed to live, work, and play in the community, such as communication or self-care) The condition manifests itself before the age of 18.
Does cerebral palsy qualify for Special Olympics?
SpecialOlympics.org. Children living with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities can participate in real sports through the Special Olympics. They are given the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from athletics and physical fitness, as well as the confidence and personal growth that comes from competition.
Can kids with autism compete in Special Olympics?
For athletes with autism, the social experience at Special Olympics events can be both rewarding and empowering. Not only do our athletes learn new skills (and get to show them off), these athletes compete in a “safe” environment where they can interact with other people in a non-pressured, relaxing way.
Can autistic people play in the Special Olympics?
Yes, if the person also has an intellectual disability. Are people with autism eligible for Special Olympics? Special Olympics serves individuals with intellectual disabilities. Those with some of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are eligible for Special Olympics, while others are not.
Can people with autism compete in Special Olympics?
Is Special Olympics only for intellectual disability?
Special Olympics is a global organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion among people with and without intellectual disabilities. We unleash the power of the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world.
Can autistic kids do Special Olympics?
Special Olympics volunteers and coaches are experienced working with young people and adults with autism. The goal is to find a sport that is best suited to each athlete, whether the athlete has sensory or socialization issues—or just needs a confidence-booster.
What sports Can people with cerebral palsy do?
The program includes a range of sports in the Paralympic Program including Boccia, table tennis, athletics, football, futsal, water polo, triathlon, volleyball and more.
Can athletics be autistic?
Defying expectations, people with autism are participating and excelling in sports. In a remarkable and under-reported shift away from conventional wisdom, people with autism are participants, fans, and in some cases, even becoming elite athletes themselves.
Which disabilities qualify an athlete to participate in the Paralympics?
Traditionally there are athletes who belong to six different disability groups in the Paralympic Movement: amputee, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, spinal injury, intellectual disability and a group which includes all those that do not fit into the aforementioned groups (les autres).
What sports are good for autism?
Individual sporting activities such as Track, Skiing, Hiking, Golf, Cycling, or Cross-Country allow individuals with autism to participate in recreation without social interactions that might cause stress.
Can kids with CP run?
In fact, there are loads of people with the condition who can run, and there are even entire sports created specifically for people with cerebral palsy. As long as the person with the condition can walk, they should be able to run if they put their mind to it.
Can you compete in the Olympics with autism?
What is Special Olympics for intellectual disabilities?
Special Olympics is a global movement of people who want to improve the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. But what are intellectual disabilities? Intellectual disability (ID) is a term used to describe a person with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication and self-care.
Are you eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible for participation in Special Olympics, a competitor must agree to observe and abide by the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in sports activities.
What is the official terminology for Special Olympics?
As language has evolved, Special Olympics has updated its official terminology to use more widely accepted terminology that is more acceptable to our athletes. Special Olympics uses the term “intellectual disabilities.” Other terms are used around the world.
What are intellectual disabilities?
But what are intellectual disabilities? What is Intellectual Disability? Intellectual disability (ID) is a term used to describe a person with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication and self-care.