Question 1

Who is eligible to be an athlete?

Accepted Answer

Anyone age 8 or older with an intellectual disability, cognitive delay, or a closely related developmental disability. There is no upper age limit, and no prior sports experience is needed.

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Training, uniforms, equipment, competition registration, travel, and lodging for State Games are all covered by our fundraising and sponsors.

Question 3

How do I register my athlete?

Accepted Answer

Use the online registration on this site, then complete the Special Olympics Georgia medical form and have a physician sign it. Email it to our Local Coordinator. The medical form is valid for three years.

Question 4

Can my athlete play more than one sport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most of our athletes play two or three sports across the year. Seasons are staggered so they rarely overlap.

Question 5

What is a Unified Partner?

Accepted Answer

A teammate without an intellectual disability who trains and competes alongside our athletes on the same team. Partners are matched by age and ability.

Question 6

Do volunteers need a background check?

Accepted Answer

Coaches and any volunteer with regular contact with athletes complete a free Class A volunteer form and background check through Special Olympics Georgia. Day-of-event volunteers do not.

Question 7

Where do you practice?

Accepted Answer

Practices happen at gyms, pools, fields, and bowling centers around Gainesville and Hall County. See the Where We Practice page and the Practice Schedule page.

Question 8

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Special Olympics Hall County is a local program of Special Olympics Georgia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We'll send a receipt for every gift.

Good questions.

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