How do I enroll in Special Olympics?

It’s easy to get involved Special Olympics. People who are 8 years of age or older with an intellectual disability (ID) are eligible to participate. Just follow these steps:

1. Complete the SONM Application for Participation form and have it signed by the athlete’s parent or legal guardian. Forms are linked below.
2. Keep a copy of the completed Application for Participation and return the original directly to Special Olympics New Mexico.
   Mailing address: 6600 Palomas NE, Suite 207, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Fax: (505) 856-0346, or email jena@sonm.org
3. Contact the Special Olympics Area Director for the county you live in to be placed into a local program and to learn about upcoming training and competition dates.

Registration and Supplemental Forms

To participate in training and competitions, all athletes are required to complete the Athlete Application for Participation form / renewal form every year.

Application for Participation (English)
SONM Application for Participation Form

Supplemental Forms
Emergency Care Refusal (Athlete)
Emergency Care Refusal (Parent/Guardian)

Application for Participation (Spanish)
SONM Application for Participation Form Spanish

Supplemental Forms (Spanish)
Emergency Care Refusal (Athlete)
Emergency Care Refusal (Parent/Guardian)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Special Olympics?

People 8 years of age and older who have an intellectual disability (ID) are eligible for participation in Special Olympics. There is no upper age limit for participation. Children ages 6 and 7 are eligible for participation in sports training programs. At age 8, athletes can begin competing at the local, area and state levels.

How much does Special Olympics cost?

Special Olympics training programs, local competitions and area level competitions are offered at no cost to the athlete. Every athlete, however, is required to pay a registration fee and a lodging fee if traveling for participation in state competitions. Many local Special Olympics programs conduct fundraisers or arrange sponsors through local businesses to assist with transportation and state competition fees.

Who can I call to find out more about Special Olympics?

If you have further questions about Special Olympics sports opportunities in your community, contact the Area Director for your county or call the Special Olympics New Mexico State Office at (505) 856-0342.

How often do Special Olympics athletes train and compete?

Special Olympics New Mexico offers seasonal, year-round training and competitions. Special Olympics athletes who want to compete in a State Games or other competition season are required to complete an eight-week (or longer) training program under the guidance of a certified Special Olympics coach to be eligible for participation in an area level competition. Participation at the area level then qualifies the athlete for state level competition.

How are Special Olympics competitions and State Games structured?

With divisions for age, gender and ability, Special Olympics gives every athlete a reasonable chance to win. Athletes from all divisions may advance to state level competition.