Athlete Eligibility
General Statement of Eligibility
The mandate of Special Olympics is to provide sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
Identifying Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Special Olympics International General Rules state that a person is considered to have an intellectual disability, for purposes of determining their eligibility to participate in Special Olympics, if that person satisfies any one of the following requirements:
(1) The person has been identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability as determined by their localities; or
(2) The person has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient or "IQ" testing or other measures which are generally accepted within the professional community as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay; or
(3) The person has a closely related developmental disability. A "closely related developmental disability" means having functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care). However, persons whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioral, or emotional disability or a specific learning or sensory disability are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes.
Find the Eligibility for Participation Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 2000) is published by the American Psychiatric Association and the manual is typically used by professionals in Canada who make development diagnoses.
Do coaches/staff require proof that a person has an intellectual disability?
No, Special Olympics in Canada does not ask for proof of an intellectual disability. If the person has an intellectual disability then he/she is eligible to participate in Special Olympics.
What happens when a child has not had an assessment to determine their diagnosis?
Special Olympics in Canada has an inclusive approach and does not ask for medical documentation to be eligible for participation in programs. It is recommended to invite parents/caregivers to observe a program to see if the child fits in with the program. If parents feel that their child fits into the program, then he/she can participate until the assessment has been completed.
If there are athletes in the programs who may not have an IQ below 70, what should a coach/staff do?
Those athletes who are enrolled in Special Olympics programs in Canada who have an IQ above 70 are eligible to continue participating in Special Olympics.
What are common intellectual disabilities?
Intellectual disabilities include Down syndrome and some Autism Spectrum Disorders. Typically an intellectual disability would not be attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, or a learning disability.
Learn more about intellectual disability