Athletes

Alberta Softball Athlete
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt"

Special Olympics Athlete Oath

Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities through out Alberta. They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!

 

Who Are Our Athletes?

Our athletes have limitless potential and are individuals with intellectual disabilities.

In Alberta, we have over 3,000 athletes representing over 140 communities across the province. This diverse group of individuals vary in gender, ethnicity, age and abilities, but all share the passion for sports and activity.

Special Olympics Alberta athletes are able to compete in 18 official summer and winter sports. Check out our full list of sports and official rules.

 

Every Day, Everywhere

Special Olympics training and competitions happen 365 days a year. We're more than an event!

We also have a Young Athletes programs: Active Start and FUNDamental for ages 2 to 12 year old.  In these programs, program leaders help introduce children to the world of sport by developing fundamental movement skills like walking, running, jumping and balancing. In these programs, program leaders help introduce children to the world of sport by developing fundamental movement skills like walking, running, jumping and balancing. These skills provide support for every day activities as well as a base for Special Olympics sports training and competition as athletes grow older. 

So whatever your age or skill level, Special Olympics has something for you. Many athletes start in one sport, then go on to try others.

Through sports, our athletes are seeing themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Their world is opened with acceptance and understanding.They become confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They are also making new friends, as part of the most inclusive community on the planet -- a global community that is growing every day.

Alberta Swim Athlete

From Athletes to Leaders

Through sports training and competitions, Special Olympics helps people with ID find joy, acceptance, success and empowerment. Athletes have the opportunity to become peer mentors for other athletes. They can also move toward a more public role as a speaker or spokesperson. They can speak to audiences and journalists about the positive changes that Special Olympics helped bring about in their lives. At Special Olympics, our athletes are empowered to share their many gifts and talents with society.