Overview
As a Special
Olympics athlete, you can compete in our year round
sports
training and competition, train to be a coach or an official, or
participate in our Athlete Leadership Programs that provide other
opportunities
and support Special Olympics off the court.
How Athletes Advance To Higher Levels
Of Competition:
Competitions are held
at local, state, national, regional and world levels. The criteria
for athlete advancement, along with division procedures, are
considered two of the most important elements of Special Olympics.
Athletes of all
ability levels have an equal opportunity to advance to the next
higher level competition.
Who is eligible to advance to the
next higher level of competition?
- Athletes who have
trained for at least 10 hours within the previous two months
- Participated in
the previous competition - except when there is no previous
competition or there are exceptional circumstances are eligible to
advance within the sport.
How are you
selected to advance?
Your local, state or national Program
is allowed to bring a certain number of athletes to the competition.
Priority is given to first place finishers from all divisions of the
sport/event.
Under extraordinary circumstances when the criteria cannot be met,
authority to deviate from established procedures may be requested of
the appropriate body. Alternate selection procedures must not
conflict with Principles of athlete advancement stated in the
Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. |
