Special Olympics Northern California serves more than 14,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, developmentally disabled individuals must be at least eight years old and have an ?Application for Participation in Special Olympics? form on file with Special Olympics which needs to be completed by a parent or care provider and signed by a doctor. Athletes between the ages of five and seven years old can participate in sports trainings but cannot officially complete until they are eight years old.
Children and adults with developmental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally and socially and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover they can be active and contributing members of their communities.
Participating in Special Olympics is free to all Special Olympics athletes.