Special Olympics of Minnesota

If you are interested in participating in Special Olympics as an athlete or volunteer, please contact  Special Olympics Minnesota, at 763-333-0999, or email Jen Gillard, Adaptive Recreation Specialist for the City of Brooklyn Park, or contact Jen at 763-315-8459 for opportunities in the Brooklyn Park or North Metro area.

Mission
Provide a year-round program of sports training and competition for people with mental disabilities that contributes to lifelong physical fitness, personal growth and achievement.

Athlete Eligibility
Persons are eligible for participation in Special Olympics if they have been identified by an agency or professional as having a mental disability, having a cognitive delay or having significant learning or vocational problems because of cognitive delay requiring specially designed instruction. Local programs establish individual eligibility using these guidelines. Athletes are eligible for training at age 6; for competition on the day of their 8th birthday.

Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to serve as coaches, Unified Sports Athletes, chaperones for Special Olympics athletes, managers of sports venues, officials and special events organizers at Special Olympics games and tournaments, fundraisers and public relations specialists and managers, and office administrators to coordinate various aspects of the program at local, area, and state levels.

"A community that opens its doors to all of its members enriches the lives of all who live within it."