FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
  1. An athlete must be at least 8 years old for State Games and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, physical disability, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that requires or has required specially designed instruction.
  2. Children in grades K-12 enrolled in Forsyth County Schools can participate in Local Introduction Games where students learn the basics of Special Olympics.
  3. State Athletes must have a participation form completed by his/her parents or guardian. The form provides written consent for participation and media release.
  4. In addition, the athlete’s doctor must sign the medical release giving the athlete clearance to practice and compete.
  5. Participation forms are good for 3 years.  Go to the “Registration page” to obtain the form.
  6. Sport and social activities are offered year-round by Special Olympics Forsyth.
Does Special Olympics Forsyth receive financial support from Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)?
  1. All local agencies are responsible for fund-raising to support their program.  SOGA also charges each Agency to attend State Games.
  2. All Management Team Members, Local Coordinator & Coaches volunteer their time to support the program. 100% of funds raised are used for the program.
  3. All sanctioned fund-raisers must be approved by SOGA. Special Olympics Forsyth must submit an application for approval.
  4. Fund-raising Board Members: Vallerie & Dave DuVal @ duvalfcso@gmail.com
How do I enroll my Athlete to participate in Special Olympics Forsyth?
  1. You must complete the (5) page participation & medical form provided by SOGA. Please see the registration forms tab.
  2. A COVID waiver from SOGA must be signed by parent, if Athlete is 18 or over, the Athlete must sign, unless you have Guardianship.
  3. If your Athlete has down syndrome and has Atlanto-Axial Instability, at this time, it is a requirement from SOGA for a waiver to be signed.
  4. If your Athlete is participating in Equestrian, please see the additional waiver to be completed.
  5. Forms are to be emailed to SOForsythforms@gmail.com. Please note Athlete name on the email and a contact number for person submitting the forms.
  6. For FCS students, enrolling in the Introduction Games requires a signed parent permission form provided by the student’s teacher.
New to Special Olympics and want to learn more about our program for your child or adult?
  1. Contact our Family Chairperson – Dave Cloud @ davsu7331@gmail.com
Does it cost anything to participate in Special Olympics?
  1. Special Olympics Forsyth is a non-profit 5013c organization and puts no cost on the athlete or his/her family to participate in State Games. All State Games fees, uniforms, equipment, and lodging are free for the Athlete.  Because of this, Special Olympics Forsyth welcomes opportunities to raise money for its athletes and the programs it provides.
How does Special Olympics raise money?
  1. Special Olympics Forsyth counts on our Sponsors, Community and participation from our Parents and Athletes to raise funds to support our program. Special Olympics Forsyth is fortunate to have wonderful financial and facility support from the community, local companies & organizations.  We also apply for annual grants that are available as a 5013c.   We also host fund-raising events such as our annual raffle ticket sales (at the Battle of the Bats) and poker night.  We believe our Athletes and Families should participate in raising money for “their program” and offer an opportunity for everyone to give back using their time, talent and/or treasure.   Fundraising interest? please contact Vall and David DuVal @ Duvalfcso@gmail.com
Who do I contact if I would like to be a Sponsor?
  1. Please contact Fundraising Chairpersons – Vall & David DuVal @ Duvalfcso@gmail.com
What sports are available for my Athlete to compete at State Games?
  1. Sports are available by season. Special Olympics Forsyth offers year-round sport activities for over 12 different sports for team and/or individual play.
  2. Individual skill training is offered for sports such as basketball and softball, allowing the Athlete to be introduced to the sport, learn the basics and train to potentially move to a more competitive environment.
  3. All sports are coed and arranged by age groups.
  4. Jr level: ages 8-15
  5. Senior level: ages 16-21
  6. Masters level: ages 22+
Can my Athlete play more than 1 sport, per season?
  1. No, an Athlete attending State Games can only compete in one sport per season, so participation is limited to one sport per season so the Athlete can prepare for State Games – as part of a team or individual play.
When does registration begin for the State Games?
  1. Registration typically begins 12 weeks before State Games to allow for practice time, which is a minimum of 8 weeks of training.
When are State Games held by Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) and when are the Forsyth County Schools Intro Games?
  1. Summer Games: held at Emory University – hosted in May
  2. Fall Games: location changes every 3 years – hosted in October
  3. Winter Games: held in Cobb County – hosted in January
  4. Local Intro Games: various times during the school year based on grade level
If I register my Athlete, do they need to participate in State Games?
  1. Yes, we ask you not to enroll your Athlete unless you plan to attend State Games. This is particularly important in team sport play – as a team is counting on your Athlete to show-up.  If there are not enough players, the team will be disqualified.
Can my Athlete compete in the Local Introductory Games activities if they are not enrolled in Forsyth County Schools?
  1. Because these are only introduction and awareness games held by the Forsyth County School System in hopes of encouraging their students to participate in State Games, individuals who are not Forsyth County students are not eligible to participate. However, the Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Program offers similar events to encourage all individuals in Forsyth County to participate in the sporting activities.    
Does Local Introductory Games follow the same guidelines as State Games (SOGA)?
  1. Unlike the State Games, athletes are not required to practice prior to the local introductory games.  A SOGA participation form is also not required. However, parents must sign a permission form that is provided by the student’s teacher.  
Does Special Olympics Forsyth provide transportation?
  1. Currently, we do not provide transportation. We are working to expand our program offering with Forsyth County Therapeutic Program.  
How can I Coach a sport or Volunteer?
  1. You must complete the Volunteer application and be approved by SOGA to become a Coach/Volunteer for Special Olympics. Every individual must pass a background screening from SOGA.
  2. If coaching a sport, you must be certified for the sport (SO Forsyth can facility this) and attend a sports certification class.
  3. On-line classes, renewed every (3) years, must be completed. They are Protective Behavior, Concussion and Verified Volunteer.  To learn more about coaching or volunteering – contact Volunteer Chairperson, Kelli Britt @ KABritt@forsythco.com or Sports Coordinators, Mark Keesee @ keesee@att.net or Wayne Hancock @ wayne.hancock@siemens.com
What if I have more questions about the program?
  1. Please see specific Board positions to learn more about our program.
  2. Contact our Local Coordinator, Linda Fitzpatrick @ LindaSOForsyth@gmail.com or Board Chair, Dana Westbrook @ wstbrk01@yahoo.com
Does anyone monitor Special Olympics Forsyth Activities and Funds?
  1. All agencies are monitored by SOGA. Special Olympics Forsyth is required to provide a monthly report to SOGA.
  2. All financials are monitored monthly, and each agency is required to provide an Accretion Plan and Sports Report every 2 years.
  3. Periodically, each agency is audited and will have a “surprise on-site visit”.
  4. The local agency must follow all SOGA guidelines when assembled under the “Special Olympics name” – whether we are attending State Games or hosting an accredited fund-raiser, local games, or activity.
Does Special Olympics Forsyth advertise – how do you get the message out?
  1. We do not formally advertise but we do disseminate information and share our story by speaking at local groups such as Knights of Columbus, Civitan, Real Estate meetings, Rotary Clubs and more.
  2. Our local newspapers are always willing to share our stories.
  3. We have a monthly eblast which is also posted on our website.
  4. Our social media is only Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/fcsof/
  5. Forsyth County School Teachers via Special Education Dept shares program information not only to the special ed classes but to the students who may be interested in working with the program.
  6. We also work closely with the Forsyth County P&R Therapeutic Program to ensure both our programs are not only meeting a wide range of needs but giving our participants “choices” to participate and be included, no matter their level of ability.
What is a Unified Partner?
  1. In some sports such as basketball, bowling, softball, there is an opportunity for an individual (without a disability) to participate, train and compete with the Athletes at the State Games level. The Partner must complete all required paperwork.  If the Partner is 18 or over, you must pass the security clearance and complete the on-lines classes required from SOGA.  This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for you to be a leader, share your talent, and enrich your life more than you think.
Can an Athlete participate in Special Olympics Forsyth AND Forsyth County P&R Therapeutic Program (sports and activities) at the same time?
  1. Yes, your Athletes may participate in both programs at the same time. Any program offered through either organization can be attended by anyone with Special Needs.  Please note:  for Special Olympics Forsyth, you can only choose one sport per season.
Does an athlete have to choose only one sport offered through the Forsyth County P&R Therapeutic Program?
  1. No, anyone with Special Needs can participate in any sport they would like that is offered by the Therapeutic Recreation Department.
Are the programs / sports offered through Forsyth County P&R Therapeutic Program free just like Special Olympics?
  1. No, there is a charge for programs / sports offered by Forsyth County P&R Therapeutic Department.
Please see “Management Team” tab and reach out to any board member for information.

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