Who is eligible to compete in Special Olympics?

Q: Who is eligible to compete in Special Olympics?

Under Special Olympics General Rules 2.01, every person with an intellectual disability who is at least 8 years old is eligible, with no maximum age. A person counts as having an intellectual disability if they have: been identified as having an intellectual disability by an agency or professional; a cognitive delay shown by standardised measures (such as IQ testing); or a closely related developmental disability, meaning functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and adaptive skills. Not eligible: a person whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioural or emotional disability. A person with an intellectual disability who also has other mental or physical disabilities can still take part, as long as they register as the General Rules require. To take part in South Africa, athletes register with Special Olympics South Africa, the country's Accredited Programme.

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Special Olympics General Rules 2.01, every person with an intellectual disability who is at least 8 years old is eligible, with no maximum age.

A person counts as having an intellectual disability if they have:

been identified as having an intellectual disability by an agency or professional;
a cognitive delay shown by standardised measures (such as IQ testing); or
a closely related developmental disability, meaning functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and adaptive skills.

Not eligible: a person whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioural or emotional disability.

A person with an intellectual disability who also has other mental or physical disabilities can still take part, as long as they register as the General Rules require.

To take part in South Africa, athletes register with Special Olympics South Africa, the country's Accredited Programme.