Everything you have always wanted to know about HEBISD Special Olympics (but were afraid to ask)!

Questions
1)  What are the specific eligibility requirements for Special Olympics athletes?
2)  Will my child compete in individual skills or team sports?
3)  How old must my child be to participate in Special Olympics?
4)  What is the cost for my child to participate in practices and competitions?
5)  What should my child bring to the first practice?
6)  How do I register my child for an upcoming Special Olympics sport?
7)  What sports are offered by HEBISD Special Olympics?
 
Answers
1)  Q What are the specific eligibility requirements for Special Olympics athletes?
A
Specific eligibility requirements for athletes are explained on the Special Olympics Texas link at http://www.sotx.org/docs/sig/08-b-athletic-eligibility.pdf
2)  Q Will my child compete in individual skills or team sports?
A
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS are for those not yet ready for team sports, regardless of age. TEAM SPORTS are for those who not only are skilled in a sport, but who also have a basic understanding of rules and strategies.
3)  Q How old must my child be to participate in Special Olympics?
A
A child must be a minimum of 6 years of age to practice, and 8 years of age to compete.
4)  Q What is the cost for my child to participate in practices and competitions?
A
There is no fee to participate in team practices. Typically, team shirts are provided to competitors free of charge.
5)  Q What should my child bring to the first practice?
A
An ATHLETE ENROLLMENT/MEDICAL RELEASE FORM, filled out and signed by a doctor is required for participation. This must be renewed once every 3 years, or more often if there are new medical problems during that time. These forms are available for downloading at http://www.sotx.org/docs/sig/08-b-athletic-eligibility.pdf on pages B-5 through B-10. Completed, signed forms should be turned in to the Special Olympics coach at or before the first practice.
6)  Q How do I register my child for an upcoming Special Olympics sport?
A
Contact Donna McGraw at (817-399-2713)or donnamcgraw@hebisd.edu, or Paula Anderson at (817-399-2721) or paulaanderson@hebisd.edu for specific times and locations of practices and competitions. Each athlete must bring the ATHLETE ENROLLMENT/MEDICAL RELEASE FORM, signed by a doctor, to the first practice unless one is already on file. These forms must be updated once every 3 years, or sooner if new medical problems arise during this period.
7)  Q What sports are offered by HEBISD Special Olympics?
A
Bowling, volleyball, basketball, and athletics (track & field) are offered through the district. Bowling and athletics are coached by Paula Anderson. Volleyball and basketball are coached by Donna McGraw.