Interested in becoming an athlete? Click the button below to fill out our athlete application! After you fill out the form, someone will be in touch to discuss your application.

Special Olympics Rhode Island offers more than 660 sports training and competition opportunities in 20 Olympic-type sports to over 4,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Click here to view sports offered

Eligibility

Ages 2 – 7: Young Athletes
Welcome to Play! Children with and without intellectual disabilities are welcome to engage in activities and games at their individual ability level and learn basic sport skills in a fun and inclusive environment. 

Ages 8 – 15: Unified Juniors
Introduction to Team Sports! These community-based teams are based out of local YMCA branches and teach sports through Skill-Based Competitions rather than gameplay. 

Middle School & High School Age: Unified Champion Schools Athletics
Choose to Include! Athletes enrolled in a participating School are eligible to participate. Middle School grades 6-8 compete in Unified Cross Country and Basketball. High School grades compete in Unified Volleyball and Basketball – recognized as Varsity Sports by the RI Interscholastic League. 

Ages 18 – 29: SO College
College Intramurals! Athletes are assigned to play unified sports at a college near them and compete side by side with students that attend these schools. 

Ages 8 & Up: Community-Based Programming
Game on! Athletes train and compete in any of the 23 sport seasons offered. Certain sports do have restrictions based on waiting lists, safety guidelines, and Unified Sports requirements.

Please refer to our Eligibility Statement and Athlete Code of Conduct to find out more information.

Already an athlete and looking to renew your paperwork? Click the button below!

How can families get involved?

Families can:

• Become spokespersons, volunteers, coaches, fundraisers and officials – giving them an important voice in Special Olympics Rhode Island
• Be an essential link to the community and wider support for our movement
• Volunteer at events
• Share links and information about Special Olympics Rhode Island
• Serve in leadership roles

Please email programs@specialolympicsri.org with any questions.