To be eligible for participation in Special Olympics, an individual with a intellectual disability*, must agree to observe and abide by the Special Olympics Canada sport rules.

* Note: “Intellectual Disability” refers to substantial limitations in present functioning. It is characterized by significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure work. Intellectual Disability manifests before 18.

The following four assumptions are essential to the application of the definition:
Valid assessment considers cultural and linguistic diversity as well as differences in communication and behavioral factors
The existence of limitations in adaptive skills occurs within the context of community environment typical of the individual’s age, peers and is indexed to the person’s individualized needs for supports
Specific adaptive limitations often coexist with strengths in other adaptive skills or other personal capabilities
With appropriate supporters over a sustained period, the life functioning of the person with an Intellectual Disability will generally improve

Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with an intellectual disability the opportunity to train and compete in sport activities. No person shall, on the grounds of gender, race, religion, color, national origin or financial constraint, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of Special Olympics.

Flexibility is left to Local, Region, Chapter, and National Special Olympics organizations for determining the eligibility of the participants because of the variety of situations and needs that exist in the many localities where Special Olympics programs have been and will be instituted. Inclusion is preferred to exclusion when eligibility is in question.

Individuals who have both an intellectual and physical disability may participate in Special Olympics programs and competitions.

Participation by Individuals with Down Syndrome who have Atlanto-Axial Instability

There is evidence from medical research that up to 15 percent of individuals with Down Syndrome have a mal-alignment of the cervical vertebrae C-1 and C-2 in the neck known as Atlanto-Axial instability. This condition exposes individuals with Down Syndrome to possible injury if they participate in activities that hyperextend or radically flex the neck or upper spine.

Special Olympics Canada takes the following precautions before permitting athletes with Down Syndrome to participate in certain sport activities:
1) Athletes with Down Syndrome may participate in most official Special Olympics sports training and competition, but shall not be permitted to participate in any activities by which their nature, result in hyper-extension, radical flexion or direct pressure on the neck or upper spine, unless the requirements of subsections (3) and (4) below are satisfied
2) Such sports training and competitions activities include: butterfly stroke and diving starts in swimming, diving, pentathlon, high jump, squat lifts, equestrian sports, artistic gymnastics, soccer, alpine skiing, and any warm-up exercise placing undue stress on the head and neck.
3) An athlete with Down Syndrome may be permitted to participate in the activities described in subsection (2) above if the athlete is examined (including x-ray views of full extension and flexion of the neck) by a physician who has been briefed on the nature of the Atlanto-axial instability condition, and who determines, based on the results of that examination, that the athlete does not have an Atlanto- axial instability condition; or
4) An athlete with Down Syndrome who has been diagnosed by a physician as having Atlanto- axial instability condition may nevertheless be permitted to participate in the activities described in subsection (2) above if the athletes, or parent or guardian of a minor athlete, confirms in writing his or her decision to proceed with these activities notwithstanding the risks created by the Atlanto-axial instability, and one Licensed Medical Professional certifying in writing that they have explained these risks to the athlete and his/her parent or guardian, and that the athlete’s condition does not, in their judgment, prelude the athlete from participating in Special Olympics training and competition. These statements and certifications shall be documented by the Special Olympics Chapter Office and/or Special Olympics Canada.