Get Involved

Athletes

Whether your interest is competitive or social in nature, we’ve got you covered. Our focus is on real sports, real competition, real achievements.

Special Olympics Virginia organizes and runs nearly 2,000 competitions each year for athletes of all ages at no cost to the participants. Unified Sports®, Young Athletes, Urban Programs, Healthy Athletes and Global Messenger initiatives create additional opportunities for personal development – both on and off the playing field.  


Join us! Anyone 8 or older who has an intellectual disability can become a Special Olympics athlete. Athletes age 2-7 are eligible to participate in our Young Athletes® program.  

Get started:

  • Confirm you're eligible. Read our Athlete Eligibility Policy for details on athlete eligibility.

  • Complete an Athlete Participation Form, which includes a medical examination by a medical professional. 

  • Mail  the completed form to the Harrisonburg office (21 Southgate Court, Suite 103, Harrisonburg VA 22801) OR e-mail it to Jennifer Gordon OR fax it to 540.434.6508.

  • Contact your Region Director to start practicing! If you are unsure about how to contact your Region Director, view our statewide map for contact details.


Already an athlete? Visit our resources and Frequently Asked Questions page for helpful forms and information.


Interested in exciting opportunities beyond the playing field? Visit our special programs section for details on initiatives such as Healthy Athletes and our Global Messenger program.

If you do not have an intellectual disability but are interested in competing alongside someone who does qualify for Special Olympics, you can do so through Unified Sports!