Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people eight years of age and older with developmental disabilities. Our programs give our athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community.Special Olympics Nevada

Special Olympics Nevada offers free sports training and competition opportunities every day, throughout the year in fourteen different sports. Paid staff operate in one office and oversee 12 local area programs that are run by volunteers. Special Olympics Nevada's office is based in Las Vegas.

Who Gets To Play And Compete Individuals who are at least five years old with developmental disabilities are eligible to participate in Special Olympics; eight is the minimum age for competition. The only requirement for participation is that an “Application for Participation in Special Olympics” form must be completed and signed by a physician. Athletes can participate for as long as they wish. There is no age cap. Children ages five through seven can participate in training practices but cannot officially compete until they are eight years old.

Programs We OfferSPORTS TRAINING AND COMPETITION
Athletes can choose from 14 different sports opportunities that operate on a calendar year basis. Athletes train for at least 8 practice sessions before they have the opportunity to compete in a local or regional competition and have the potential to advance to several different Championship events.

UNIFIED SPORTS ®
Unified Sports® is a team experience that combines approximately equal numbers of athletes with and without developmental disabilities, of similar age and ability. Nevada currently offers Unified Sports in track and field, bowling and basketball. Unified Sports® broadens the scope of athletic competition for athletes and spectators. The program facilitates inclusion of Special Olympics athletes throughout the community.

FOR ATHLETES WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES
Special Olympics believes that every athlete, no matter what their ability, can enjoy sports. Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) was created by physical therapists and adaptive PE teachers specifically for those athletes who have severe disabilities. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition.

FREE AND ALL YEAR LONG
There are training and competition opportunities every day within Special Olympics Nevada, throughout the year. Our programs are free to all eligible athletes and are possible thanks to the generous support from individuals and businesses who believe in Special Olympics athletes. We are not a United Way agency and receive no federal funds. Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.