Frequently Asked Questions

What is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics is a non-profit volunteer-based sport organization which provides sport and recreation and competitive opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through sport.

Who Participates in Special Olympics?

An individual who has an intellectual disability is eligible for Special Olympics programs. The age range of our athletes typically is from 7 to 74 years.

Why Special Olympics?

Participation in regular and organized sport, fitness, and recreational programs and competitions will benefit our athletes by:

            -Increasing their physical well-being

            -Enhancing their self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect

            -Developing their social skills and their ability to function in society

Where is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics Edmonton operates 35 sport programs in 19 sports in the City of Edmonton. Approximately 500 athletes participate in weekly or bi-weekly practices in various venues of the city.

When are Special Olympics?

Every day! Practices occur each day of the week on a weekly basis in various sports. Local invitational meets are held for competitions involving the athletes of Edmonton and the other Special Olympics affiliates in Alberta. Provincial, National, and World Games in summer and winter sports are held on a 4-year cycle.

How does Special Olympics Edmonton deal with the various ability levels?

Many of the sports have more than one practice group, for example, there are 3 divisions of Floor Hockey and 3 levels of Aquatics. Where there is only one sport practice as in Track and Field, athletes practice with other athletes of the same ability in a comfortable but challenging situation.

Competitions are divisioned by ability as well as by gender, enabling athletes to compete with their peers, which results in fair competition.

How is Special Olympics Edmonton funded?

Special Olympics Edmonton is responsible for raising funds needed to operate all its programs. It relies on fund raisers and donations from corporate or private individuals. Expenses include such costs as facility rental, sports equipment purchases, transportation and subsidization for out-of-town  competitions, hosting tournaments in Edmonton, volunteer training in coaching and first aid courses, etc.