Frequently Asked Questions


How do I become an athlete?

Anyone who has been identified as having an intellectual disability or closely related developmental disability by an Agency or professional and is age 8 or older can train and compete as a Special Olympics athlete. To join as an athlete:

  1. Contact the Regional Athletic Director in your region.
  2. Obtain and complete the required paperwork (available here).
  3. Return your form(s) to the Special Olympics Wisconsin State Office. All athletes must have the required paperwork on file before they begin practicing. Medical deadline dates are strictly enforced for upcoming competitions. Please work closely with your coach, Agency Manager and/or the Athlete Medical Records Manager at the State Office to make sure medical deadlines are met.

Are there any fees for participation?

There is no cost to the athlete to join Special Olympics Wisconsin. There may be a minimal cost involved in participating. No athlete will be denied participation based on economic circumstances.

Where can I find athlete medical release forms?

Please visit our Become an Athlete webpage.

What sports does Special Olympics Wisconsin offer?

Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 19 Olympic-type sports within four sports seasons for individuals with intellectual disabilities 8 years of age or older.

Please visit our sports offered page for more information.

How do I become a volunteer?

Our volunteer base includes students, senior citizens, business groups, professional individuals, civic organizations, families, amateur and professional athletes, and coaches to name a few. In other words, ANYONE CAN GET INVOLVED! There is no experience required; however, you must be at least 15 years of age, unless accompanied by an adult. To begin the volunteer registration process and to view upcoming events in your area please visit our volunteer webpage.

How do I become a coach?

Please visit our coaching and sport certification webpage.

How do I become an Agency Manager?

To start an agency in your area please visit our How to start an Agency webpage or to become an Agency Manager of an established agency in your area please contact Mark Wolfgram, Director of Field Services.

What other programs can I participate in within Special Olympics Wisconsin?

Other programs and initiatives of Special Olympics Wisconsin include: Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs),  Unified Champion Schools, SO College, Healthy Athletes, Spread the Word to End the Word, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), and the Final Leg just to name a few!

Which regional area of Special Olympics Wisconsin do I belong to?

Please visit our Regions webpage to see what region you belong to based on the county your currently live in.

Where can I find upcoming events?

Please visit our Events Calendar to view all of the upcoming Special Olympics Wisconsin events.

Where can I find athletic registration forms for tournament competitions?

Please visit our current Competition Guide webpage for forms and resources for tournaments.

Where can I donate to help support Special Olympics Wisconsin?

You can donate money directly online by going to our Donate webpage or visit our Ways to Give webpage for others way to donate to Special Olympics Wisconsin.