Become an Athlete
Join the A-Town community
At Aurora (A-Town) Special Olympics, becoming an athlete is about so much more than signing up for a sport. It’s the beginning of a journey filled with new skills, growing confidence, competition, friendships, and discovering strengths you may not have even known you had.
We welcome athletes as young as 4yrs old, with opportunities designed to grow right alongside them.
Where the Journey Begins
(Ages 4-7)
For our youngest athletes, sports are about learning, exploring, and having FUN! Athletes are introduced to a variety of sports where they can learn basic skills, practice following directions, experience being part of a team, and begin building friendships.
At this age, we want athletes to discover what it feels like to play, participate, cheer for their teammates, and have others cheering for them. It’s the beginning of finding the sports they love and discovering that they belong.
Building Skills & Finding Their Competitive Side
(Ages 8–15)
As athletes move into our Junior program, things begin to get a little more competitive. They’re still learning and developing their skills, but now they’re beginning to understand the game at a deeper level.
Athletes work on technique, teamwork, sportsmanship, independence, and competition. Coaches begin challenging them to push a little harder, try something new, and discover just how much they’re capable of accomplishing.
These years help prepare our athletes for the next exciting step in their A-Town journey.
Compete, Grow & Discover Your Strength
(Ages 16 and Older)
At age 16, athletes transition into what we call our Adult program, where competition takes on a whole new level.
This is where we often see athletes discover strength, confidence, determination, and independence they didn’t even realize they had. They challenge themselves, compete alongside teammates, set personal goals, and experience the pride that comes from working hard for something they want to achieve.
But some of the greatest things that happen have nothing to do with a scoreboard or medal.
Friendships Can Last a Lifetime
The teammates athletes meet on the field, court, lanes, trails, slopes, or in the pool often become the same friends they spend time with away from sports. That’s what makes A-Town special. We’re not simply building teams—we’re building a community where athletes can grow up together.
Ready to Become an A-Town Athlete?
Getting started begins with completing the Special Olympics Athlete Medical Application. The application is completed online and provides the information needed for an athlete to participate in Special Olympics.
Once your application is completed, you’re one step closer to finding your sport, meeting your teammates, and becoming part of the A-Town family.