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Special Olympics MN
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About Special Olympics MN

Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) is an organization that empowers people with intellectual disabilities to become included and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. With the support of coaches and volunteers, SOMN provides year-round sports training and competition in 16-Olympic type sports for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by a formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially designed instruction. Athlete Eligbility

Registration with Special Olympics must be completed prior to the first practice: Athlete Registration Link


Coaching/Volunteering

If you are interested in coaching or voluntering please coplete the Volunteer/coach registration? Volunteer/Coaching Registration

Featured Courses

  • Special Olympics Flag Football 8+

    Special Olympics Flag Football Ages 18+ Special Olympics Flag Football is an inclusive, non-contact sport that promotes physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Athletes are grouped into divisions based on age and ability level to ensure fair and competitive play. This sport features Unified gameplay, where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities compete together on the same team. This approach fosters inclusion, respect, and camaraderie among all participants. With an emphasis on safety, trained officials enforce rules that minimize physical contact while maintaining a fast-paced, engaging experience. The flag football season typically runs from September through October, providing athletes with opportunities to grow, compete, and build meaningful connections through sport.Athletes must be registered with Special Olympics MN by the first day of practice to play. Coaches include Dylan Matter, Brad Matter and Darren Schuler, For questions, please contact Mighty Rapids at wmightyrapids@gmail.com Regional Competition: September 13 State Competition: October 11-12 Ages 18+ Tue, 6-7pm $10 pp July 29, Aug 5,12,19,26, Sept 9,16,23, Oct 7 & (Sept 2 & 30) WM Comm. Learning Ctr. Fields WM High School Stadium
  • Bocce Ball Ages 8+

    Special Olympics Bocce Ball Ages 8+ Bocce Ball is a precision sport where players aim to roll their bocce balls closest to the target ball, known as the pallina. The game promotes social interaction, physical development, and self-confidence, making it an inclusive and engaging activity for athletes of all abilities. Special Olympics Minnesota ensures fair competition by divisioning participants based on ability level and age, providing a balanced and rewarding experience. This sport also offers a Unified division, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together on the same team, fostering teamwork, inclusion, and camaraderie. Regional Competition: July 26 State Competition: August 15-17 Athletes must be registered with Special Olympics MN by the first day of practice to play. For questions, please contact Mighty Rapids at wmightyrapids@gmail.com Tue, 6-7pm $10 pp June 3,10,17,27, Jul 1,8,15 WM High School Stadium