Special Olympics

Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people especially those with an intellectual disability.

The global mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Are You Eligible?

According to the Special Olympics Official General Rules a person is considered to have an intellectual disability for purposes of determining eligibility to participate in Special Olympics if that person satisfies anyone of the following requirements:

The person has been identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability as determined by their localities.

The person has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardised measures such as intelligent quotient or ‘IQ’ testing or other measures which are generally accepted within the professional community in that Accredited Program's nation as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay.

The person has a closely related developmental disability. A ‘closely related developmental disability’ means having functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and in adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care). However, persons whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioural, or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes, but may be eligible to volunteer for Special Olympics

Young Athlete Program

Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood sports play program for children aged 2-7 years old that includes games, songs and other fun physical activities. Programs are delivered by a number of accredited clubs across Queensland. If you require further information please contact development@gymqld.org.au