Get Involved as an Athlete

Children and Young Adult Athletes

Because Special Olympics District of Columbia is 70% school-based, the majority of the athletes are presently enrolled in the D.C. Public schools. These athletes become part of Special Olympics by a teacher or school administrator first completing an Accreditation Application for their school program. Once the application is processed, that school can enroll eligible athletes to participate in any of the Special Olympics sports programs offered. Training for these athletes generally takes place on weekdays during the school day.

Adult Day Treatment or Residential Athletes

These athletes become part of Special Olympics when an organization administrator completes the Accreditation Application. Once the application is processed, that organization can enroll eligible athletes for participation in any of the Special Olympics sports programs offered. Training for these athletes may take place on weekdays, in the evenings, or on weekends.

Independent Adults

Special Olympics District of Columbia has formed a training group of independent adults. The name of the program is SOFIT (Special Olympic Fitness) and was developed to attract athletes that have graduated, aged out of their service providers, or work within the community. These athletes fall under the SODC umbrella so all training takes place in the evenings or weekends in specific sports.

  • To see who is eligible for Special Olympics click here.

  • To get involved as an athlete, download the Athlete Application for Participation (Medical Form) and instructions. In order to train and/or compete in Special Olympics, an athlete must be examined by a medical professional and have a current Application for Participation (Medical Form) on file. Completed applications are valid for three years from the date given by the medical professional.

  • To learn more about Special Olympic Fitness (SOFIT) click here.

  • To read the Special Olympic Athlete Code of Conduct click here.