Become an Athlete
How to Become an Athlete
STEP 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
When you join Special Olympics Pennsylvania, you're joining a group of strong, ambitious competitors. Special Olympics athletes are eight years old or older and have an intellectual disability, or a developmental disability with a cognitive delay.
STEP 2: Complete Your Registration
To become eligible for Special Olympics Pennsylvania training, competition, and programming, a Medical Form is required. The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Medical Form must be used. School or agency medical forms will NOT be accepted.
- Medical Certification (Page 2 - Top Section): This section requires a medical provider's signature for certain sports and health conditions. Your Regional Office will tell you if it's required. Please note that a physical examination by a physician or authorized medical personnel (not a nurse or EMT) may be necessary.
- Release (Page 2 - Bottom Section - Required for ALL Participants): This release section must be completed by everyone, regardless of sport or health condition.
Select your region below for details on how to submit your Medical Form.
Please Complete the Medical Form
Once your Medical Form has been completed, please email it to us at northwest@specialolympicspa.org or mail it to us at 8161 Oliver Road, Erie, PA 16509
If you have any questions, please email Doug Chuzie at dchuzie@specialolympicspa.org
STEP 3: Sign Up For Your Sport(s)
Visit our Sports Signups page to pick your sport(s). Once there, select the region where you live and browse the list of sports available. Find your desired sport and fill out the signup form.
After the signup period, your coach will reach out with more information about the season.
WELCOME TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS PENNSYLVANIA!
Exciting News: Transition to Simplified Athlete Medical Process!
At Special Olympics Pennsylvania, athlete safety remains our top priority, and a current Medical Form is required for all participants. We are transitioning to a simplified medical form process. Starting May 2025, for most athletes, you will review and update your health information annually without needing a doctor's signature. For the spring/summer 2025 season, we are implementing an early phase of this change. We are accepting the attached Medical Form without a doctor's signature for most athletes. However, we will review all submitted forms, and in some cases, a doctor's signature may still be required. We will contact you if your form requires a doctor's signature. We are working to make participation in Special Olympics Pennsylvania easier for everyone!
OTHER PROGRAMS OFFERED
For a Spanish language version of the athlete medical, follow this link.
Para obtener una versión en español del médico del atleta, siga este enlace.
