Become An Athlete
Ways To Be A Champion
Are you a new athlete?
What sports do we offer?
Did you know?
Find Sports & Competitions
Near You
Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA) offers athletic opportunities across 14 Olympic-type sports for individuals with special needs. Athletes train for over eight weeks and practice to compete in the State Games. SOLA follows sports training and competition guidelines that Special Olympics, Inc set forth.
Additional Information
A sports season typically consists of 6-8 training practices. Practices usually are held one to two times per week in the evening or on the weekend. Each sports season culminates in a competition. There is no cost to athletes participating Special Olympics.
Athletes must be at least eight years old to compete in a sports competition.
Athletes between 6–7 years of age can practice, but cannot compete.
Young Athletes is available for children ages 2-7.
Eligible individuals must be identified by a medical agency or professional as having an intellectual disability. Some Special Olympics athletes may also have a physical disability, but it is their developmental disability that qualifies them to participate in Special Olympics.
If you do not have an intellectual disability but are interested in competing alongside your friend, sibling, etc. who does qualify for Special Olympics, you can do so through Unified Sports!
The ability levels of Special Olympics athletes range greatly. The best part is that no matter where an athlete falls in terms of ability, they can win a gold medal, as they are sectioned into competitive groupings with their peers!
In addition to demonstrating your true abilities as a competitor, you can excel in Special Olympics in many other ways. Did you know that as an athlete, you can:
- Receive training in public speaking and become a Leader for Special Olympics
- Become a coach for Special Olympics
- Receive free health screenings at SOLA state-level events
- Serve on the planning committee with your local program
You are highly encouraged to complete the online application.
Forms must be completed by the athlete or parent/guardian. Coaches and volunteers are prohibited from completing athlete registration forms.
Medical forms must be completed by qualified healthcare professionals. Coaches and volunteers are prohibited from completing athlete medical forms.
If these rules are violated, it can result in suspension from our program.
After completing your online application, download the medical/physical form and have your healthcare provider complete it.
