Special Olympics Texas

• Eligibility is limited to individuals who have closely related developmental disabilities such as those who have functional limitations, both in general learning and in adapted skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction or self-care.
• General learning limitation refers to substantial deficits and conceptual, practical and social intelligence that will result in performance problems in academic learning and/or general life functioning. Learning limitations may be assessed by standardized test. 
• Adapted skill limitations refers to ongoing performance deficits in skill areas considered essential to successful life functioning. 
• People with functional limitations based solely on a physical, behavior, emotional, specific learning disability or sensory disability are not eligible.

Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in sport activities. Athletes must compete in an area program and events within the geographical boundaries where they live.

Visit https://www.sotx.org/ for more information. See 2008 Special Olympics Texas Sports Information guide, pg B-1.

SBISD athletes must be a minimum of 12 years old by the first day of practice to participate in the sport. 

NOTE: The minimum age requirement for participation in Special Olympics competitions is six years for local, area and regional competitions. The minimum age for state competitions is eight years. The minimum age for USA and World Games is sixteen years. Please refer to SOTX-Area 4 Website for more information on events/sports available to younger aged participants.