Athletes

Getting involved as an Athlete:

Through year-round sports training and competition, Special Olympics builds self-esteem, fosters courage and teaches valuable lessons about striving, winning, losing and trying again. Athletes participating in Special Olympics benefit from:

• improved physical fitness and sports skills
• enhanced self-confidence and social competency
• greater readiness for employment
• better preparation for independent living
• increased ability to make personal decisions
• improved friendships and family relations

Special Olympics is a great way to get fit, meet friends and improve your life. Join over 4,500 Australians who are proud to be Special Olympics athletes.

Download Athlete Registration Procedure

Download Athlete Registration Form

Karren Hanson from SOV Southern Region:

"I got involved in Special Olympics about 20 years ago as I wanted to play a sport. The school I attended suggested Special Olympics. They had lots of different sports to choose from. I liked basketball, but I have tried Athletics, Swimming, Softball and I am now playing Tennis. I am enjoying Tennis it is very new to me.

I have competed in 5 state games playing basketball and I have gone to Qld 2 times and Tas 2 times and my 1st state games were in Melbourne. I will be going to Adelaide next year but this time I will be playing Tennis.

My daughter, Riki, is also a member of Special Olympics. She has just turned 16 and represented Victoria in the 1st and 2nd Junior Nationals. She will also be going to Adelaide next year to play her 1st Nationals as a senior she is playing basketball.

The most important part of belonging to Special Olympics is making lots of friends. I really enjoy helping the Juniors train and to teach them as many skills as I can. I also try to share my skill and knowledge about basketball with senior players that need help".

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