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Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 30 Olympic-type sports for athletes 8 years or older.  For children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7, Special Olympics provides a Young Athletes Program. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life. As a grass-roots organization, Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.
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Athlete Code of Conduct
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Please note that the Code of Conduct listed here is a minimum standard set by Special Olympics. All interested athletes, coaches and family members should check with their local Special Olympics Program to determine if there is a more restrictive Code for that Program. To locate the Special Olympics Program near you, use our Program Locator

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all athletes to honor sports and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports® Partners agree to the following code*.

Sportsmanship

  • I will practice good sportsmanship.
  • I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my coaches, my team and Special Olympics.
  • I will not use bad language.
  • I will not swear or insult other persons.
  • I will not fight with other athletes, coaches, volunteers or staff.

Training and Competition

  • I will train regularly.
  • I will learn and follow the rules of my sport.
  • I will listen to my coaches and the officials and ask questions when I do not understand.
  • I will always try my best during training, divisioning and competitions.
  • I will not "hold back" in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.

Responsibility for My Actions

  • I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual advances on others.
  • I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games.
  • I will not take drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.
  • I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules.

I understand that if I do not obey this Code of Conduct my Program or a Games Organizing Committee may not allow me to participate.

Contact Information

 

Dave Lenox, Vice President, Sports & Competition, +1 (202) 628-3630 or
dlenox@specialolympics.org

 

 

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