Become An Athlete
Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN) offers sports training and competition in 17 Olympic-style sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Individuals eight years old and up can compete in local and state competitions. The Young Athletes program is available for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2-7. The Junior Athletes program is available for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 6-12.
How to Get Involved
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Confirm you're eligible. Check out our athlete eligibility policy for more information.
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Step 2: Find Your Program
Find a Special Olympics Area Program near you and contact your Area Director to start training!
Step 3: Complete Online Registration
Register using our new online platform, the Center of Excellence.
Athlete Resources
Visit our athletes resource page for more information.
Additional Programs
Young & Junior Athletes
Young Athletes is a unique sport and play program for children ages 2 to 7 with intellectual disabilities. Learn more here.
Athlete Leadership
If we want a more inclusive organization and accepting world, Special Olympics athletes must be allowed to contribute to the mission and help drive the movement forward.
One of the most powerful ways we achieve this is through Athlete Leadership, which creates opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop and demonstrate their abilities in leadership roles within the organization and their communities.
One of the most powerful ways we achieve this is through Athlete Leadership, which creates opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop and demonstrate their abilities in leadership roles within the organization and their communities.