Support Programs

The Special Olympics Arizona goal is to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport, by empowering them both on and off the playing field and bringing them into the larger society whereby they are respected and accepted. 

However, there are many other ways athletes, families and YOU can benefit from Special Olympics. Click on the title to find out more information. 

(ALPs) allow Special Olympics athletes to help shape the future of the Special Olympics movement and ensure all people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports training and competition that is fun and fair.

Family members of a person with intellectual disability often feel confused and alone. Getting involved with Special Olympics gives families a support network providing them acceptance, resources, hope and a chance to become advocates - making them a valued voice in our movement.  Special Olympics Arizona Family Resource Council is the core of our Family Support Program.  Learn how you can get involved.

 

The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative is designed to help Special Olympics athletes improve their health and fitness by offering free health screenings and health information at local, regional and World Games. In the process, Special Olympics has become the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities. Developed in 1996, the mission of Healthy Athletes is to improve each athlete's ability to train and compete in Special Olympics as well as life.

In order to participate in Special Olympics State Competitions athletes must be at least 8 years old. However, athletes ages 6 to 7 can start practicing and participate at Area Competitions.

Special Olympics Unified Sports^® brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team.  Throughout the year, in a variety of sports ranging from basketball to golf to figure skating, Unified Sports^® athletes improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills, challenge the competition and have fun, too. Join now as a Unified Partner!

In order to participate in Special Olympics State Competitions athletes must be at least 8 years old. Athletes ages 2 1/2 to 7 are eligible to participate in the Young Athlete Program.

Project UNIFY is a U.S. national project, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its goal is to activate young people around the country in an effort to develop school communities where all young people are agents of change - fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities by utilizing the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics.