Athletes

Being involved with Special Olympics is a great way to stay fit, learn new skills and meet new friends.

Who are Special Olympics Athletes?

Anyone who has been identified as having a intellectual disability by an agency or professional and is age eight or older can train and compete as a Special Olympics Athlete. Learn how to become an athlete.

Children ages 2-7 both with and without intellectual disabilities may inquire about Special Olympics Wisconsin's Young Athletes Program.

Quick facts*

• More than half of Special Olympics athletes in the United States hold jobs.

• Almost all Special Olympics athletes play at least two sports.

• Participation in sports promotes healthy, active lives among a segment of individuals who are more likely to face obesity and health problems than the general population.

• At least 80 percent of families in the United States say they have seen improvements in their athlete's self esteem, self confidence, social skills, friendships and health thanks to their participation.

*Facts from A Comprehensive National Study of Special Olympics Programs in the United States by Special Olympics Inc.

Photos

Check out photos of each state tournament and other Special Olympics Wisconsin events.

Play online games

Links

• Athlete Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions
• Athlete Eligibility Questionnaire
• Athlete Input Council (AIC)
• Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)
• Become an athlete
• Code of Conduct
• Contact Us
• Healthy Athletes
• Medical Policy explanation and deadline dates
• Medical Expiration Date Lookup
• Sports
• Young Athletes

State Games Results

We post results from each State tournament on our website. Choose an event below to check your results!

• Fall Sports Tournament
• Winter Games
• Indoor Sports Tournament
• Summer Games
• Outdoor Sports Tournament

Sportsmanship guidelines

Bryan Herrman, ALPs athlete and basketball player from Cumberland, Wisconsin, took some time to share his insight on sportsmanship.  Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) commends Bryan on taking a pro-active stance and breaking down his thoughts into specific behaviors. Read the sportsmanship guidelines.

Nominate an athlete to be the "Featured Athlete"on this site

Do you know a Special Olympics Wisconsin Athlete that deserves recognition? Nominate him or her for the Featured Athlete.
Fill out the nomination form

Best Buddies

Many Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes also participate in Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Learn more about Best Buddies Wisconsin.

For more information, contact

Jeanne Hrovat
Director of Field Services
jhrovat@specialolympicswisconsin.org
Toll Free: (800) 552-1324
Direct Line: (608) 442-5673