Special Olympics at Austin ISD
Austin ISD has enjoyed a remarkable partnership with Special Olympics of Texas for decades.
Together, we work to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for hundreds of children with intellectual disabilities.
We believe this is essential in helping special needs athletes develop physical fitness, experience the joy of competition and strive to be their best.
Athlete Eligibility
- 8 years old and older
- IQ of 70 or lower
- Diagnosis of Aspergers, autism or Down syndrome
- Intellectual disability
- Special Olympics Texas athlete medical form on file in our office
- Parent permission form on file
Our Sports
Bowling
- Westgate Lanes South, Mondays & Thursdays
- Dart Bowl North, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Start date: Week of Sept. 9–week of Oct. 21
- Competition dates: Final practice days
Unified Bowling
- Sundays 4–6 p.m., Dart Bowl
- Start date: Week of Sept. 9–Oct. 28
- Competition dates: Nov. 2–4
Basketball
- Start date: Week of Jan. 7, 2019–week of Feb. 18
- Competition dates: March 1–2
Gymnastics
- Monday or Thursday, 6–8 p.m., National Elite Gymnastics
- Start date: Week of Jan. 21, 2019–week of May 13
- Competition dates: April TBD
Track & Field
- Mondays & Thursdays South
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays North
- Start date: Week of March 11–week of April 22
- Competition dates: Final practice days
Special Olympics Texas also offers a Young Athletes Program for students ages 2–7. The program can be implemented at any elementary school campus by a staff member, parent volunteer or an adaptive P.E. teacher. For additional information, visit sotx.org/programs/young-athletes or contact Shalanda Byers at 841-8336 or sbyers@austinisd.org.