Join Our Team as a Special Olympics Athlete
Special Olympics Northern California provides FREE year-round sports, health and leadership programs for more than 23,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
How to participate:
- Submit Athlete Application.
- Wait for email confirmation from that your application has been approved.
- Register for the sports you want to play.
Important details:
- Participation in Special Olympics Northern California sports requires an annual renewal of the Athlete Application.
- Only renew when you have been notified via email by SONorCal or your coach.
- If you are unsure of your Athlete Application Status, check the SONorCal Athlete Status Check Form before applying.
- Once you have an approved Athlete Application, you must register for each sport you want to play.
- Programs are offered throughout Northern California.
To Apply
- New athletes:
- Complete the Athlete Application.
- Look for an approval email from (may take up to 5 business days).
- Returning athletes:
- Look for a renewal email notice from 45 days prior to your application expiration date.
- Complete the form and look for an approval email from .
- Once approved, your Athlete Application will be valid for one (1) year, and you can register for any available sports during open registration periods.
Athletes may not participate in sports activities or practices until their Athlete Application has been approved.
To Register for Sports after Athlete Application Approval
- Go to www.SONCSportsReg.org during open registration periods.
- Find your county, season and sports.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Look for a confirmation email from Special Olympics Northern California.
- The coach of the team you registered for will contact you within 10 business days of the close of registration with information about practices and the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Special Olympics athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities. An intellectual disability (or ID) is used to describe certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication, learning and self-care. Down syndrome and autism are common forms of ID, and there are many others.
Athletes can begin training at age 6 and compete at age 8. There is no maximum age limit for Special Olympics.
For athletes younger than 6 years old, please visit our Young Athletes Program page to see what opportunities may exist in your community.
Why become an athlete?
We believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy of sports. Special Olympics offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. Our trained coaches help everyone from beginner to advanced athletes and provide modifications for every ability level. No matter the disability, every athlete is welcome in Special Olympics.
Where can I participate?
Special Olympics offers up to 11 different sports in 43 counties across Northern California. Visit the Find a Program page to learn about programs in your area.
What about non-sports programs?
In addition to 11 different sports, Special Olympics Northern California athletes may participate in a variety of non-competitive programs:
- Athlete Leadership – Training in public speaking, advocacy and professional-development skills.
- Health & Wellness – Health screenings, resources and classes, virtual social activities and more.
- Schools Partnership Program – The Schools Partnership Program, which includes our flagship Unified Champion Schools (R), helps ignite friendships and belonging between students with and without disabilities. Programming spans Pre-K to Transition schools, and includes an inclusive sports curriculum, youth leadership and resources for educators.
Do I need to get a medical examination or “physical” from a doctor/physician?
No. As of October 7, 2024, athletes are no longer required to complete a medical examination as part of the Athlete Application process. Although this is no longer required Special Olympics still encourages annual doctor visits as a good way to maintain your health and wellness.
How long is the new application valid?
Athletes who complete a new application on or after October 7, 2024, will need to renew their application annually (once each year) and will be notified by SONorCal via email, 45 days prior to their application expiration date.
If I have an application on file already, do I need to renew now?
No. Athletes who have an existing application on file as of October 7, 2024, will NOT need to renew until their current application expires, which occurs three (3) years from the date of the doctor’s signature. SONorCal will contact athletes 45 days prior to their application expiration date with instructions on how to renew their application.
Should I submit an Athlete Application each sports season?
No. As long as you have a current athlete application on file, you do not need to submit a new one. However, you must register for each sport, each season.
If you are unsure of your application status, before you do anything, please complete the SONorCal Athlete Status Check Form with the athlete’s information and our team will respond to you within 3-5 business days with status information. Please do NOT complete an application while you await a response.
My athlete’s application expired more than 3 years ago, what should I do?
Complete the Athlete Application form.
I found an old version of the Athlete Application for Participation Form, can I complete and submit it?
No. We are no longer accepting old application forms.
I found a Special Olympics, Inc. or Special Olympics North America Athlete Application for Participation form online, can I submit that to SONorCal?
No. We only accept the SONorCal Athlete Application.
“Joining Special Olympics proved to be the best decision I’ve made in my entire life. It has allowed me to create a large network of friends while also increasing my strength, and self-confidence.”
Justin
Special Olympics Athlete
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