Facts for Athletes
“Regular physical activity can help people with disabilities improve their stamina and muscle strength and can improve psychological well being and quality of life by increasing the ability to perform activities of daily life.”
-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 8/00.

Special Olympics Colorado offers year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for athletes of ALL abilities. The focus of Special Olympics is to invite all eligible individuals into a quality sports program that has a basis in their community and serves to enhance the life of the participant.

Special Olympics Colorado athletes can participate in a variety of competitions at the local, area, state and international level. SOCO hosts more than 80 competitions throughout the state each year, including our eight state-level events.

The World Winter and Summer Games are each held every four years, alternating every two years. These games represent the highest caliber competition, with more than 80 nations participating.

Eligibility
Special Olympics Colorado is open to people of all ability levels. You can participate either as an athlete or as a Unified Sports® partner. Children and adults eight years of age or older with intellectual disabilities are eligible to participate as athletes, and people without disabilities are invited to join our program as Unified Sports partners, volunteers or coaches.

Our athletes also include people who have closely related intellectual disabilities, such as those who have functional limitations, both in general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction or self-care.

Attention students participating in SOCO school based events during the day, effective 3/3/08 athlete applicants must receive a medical exam certifying their fitness to participate prior to being allowed to participate in Special Olympics. Click here for more information.

Athlete Training
Prior to any Special Olympics Colorado competition, all athletes are required to engage in an extensive training program. Athletes develop fitness and sports skills, as well as learn rules and strategies from their volunteer coaches. Special Olympics Colorado also trains volunteers and certifies coaches, officials, and games committee members to ensure that all athletes receive the highest quality training and competition.

Click here for a descriptions of the sports offered each season.

What's Happening this Season in your Area?
Click on the area in which you live to see a list of area tournaments and events, plus training schedules.

Denver Metro Area
Mile High Area
Northeast Area
Southeast Area
Southwest Area
Western Area

Which area do I live in?
Click here to find out!