Offering Olympic-Style Sports Year-Round
Special Olympics athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from across the state who are finding success, joy, and friendship through the power of sport. There are 69 Local Programs throughout Connecticut, which provide year-round training, education, and guidance in a variety of individual and team Olympic-style, seasonal sports. We offer both Traditional Sports for people with intellectual disabilities and Special Olympics Unified Sports®, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Athletes must be at least 8 years old, and we also offer Young Athletes® for children between the ages of 2 and 7 to prepare them to become an athlete with Special Olympics Connecticut.
Sports Training and Competitions for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- Our athletes are given the opportunity to showcase their abilities through sports.
- They train and compete with other athletes of varying levels of skills and abilities, encouraging acceptance, teamwork, and inclusion.
- Through every competition and tournament, our athletes build confidence in themselves and their abilities.
The Athlete’s Commitment
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and their commitment embodies what it means to be a champion. After completing and submitting the required forms, eligible athletes will be matched with a Local Program, where they will begin training with their fellow athletes in preparation for upcoming competitions.
Athletes must train for eight weeks to qualify for their first competition or tournament. During their time with SOCT, all athletes must adhere to the Athletes Code of Conduct.
Please refer to our Eligibility Statement and Athletes Code of Conduct to find out more.
Programs for Young Athletes®
The Young Athletes® program is an early childhood sports program for children between the ages of 2 and 7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Early on, children are exposed to fundamental skills like teamwork, taking turns, and sharing in an inclusive environment.
School-aged children with intellectual disabilities may participate in our Special Olympics Unified Sports® In Schools program, where they will train and compete in sports alongside athletes their age without intellectual disabilities.
How to Become An SOCT Athlete
Getting Started
Athletes, parents, guardians, or caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are interested in becoming an SOCT athlete can help them get started by filling out the forms below. If you have questions about how to become an athlete or as you complete the forms below, please contact Emily Pitney at [email protected].
This form provides us with the necessary information to properly place the athlete with a Local Program that best suits them. This form can be completed online.
This form can be completed by an athlete, parent, guardian, or caregiver.
What's Next?
Upon receipt of these completed forms, SOCT will forward the information to an appropriate Local Program. Within two to three weeks, you will be contacted by a Local Coordinator and receive information regarding practices and upcoming events.
Become and SOCT athlete and reveal the champion inside.