Special Olympics GB Hockey Team

For the first time this summer the Special Olympics World Games will include Hockey at the Berlin games 17 – 25 June 2023. Great Britain will be entering a team and are looking for Scottish athletes to be part of this. Eligibility criteria it outlined below.

Outline of eligibility criteria (which is worldwide Special Olympics requirement for all athletes regardless of sport) is below:

  • An IQ score at or below 75 (A person with an IQ of 100 is considered average)
  • Minimum age is 16
  • Significant limitations in adaptive behaviour (conceptual, social or practical adaptive skills such as communication, self-care, social skills, home living, health and safety difficulties)
  • Onset acquired before the age of 18

For absolute clarity, all players selected will have to achieve Special Olympics NES (National Eligibility Status), very broadly this will mean they have a learning disability. These athletes may have secondary and even third disabilities, but to qualify we must be able to demonstrate they have a learning disability, further details of these requirements will also be sent. The tournament schedule is likely to be 2-3 games per day outside, on artificial pitches with mainstream hockey rules used.

Players will also have to have a medical that they (or families) arrange to make sure they are deemed fit to participate.

If you or any player, you know meet the outlined criteria please send the following to Steven Bradley at [email protected] ;

  • Registration & Release Form (signature cannot be typed, needs to be electronic or scanned and added)
  • Head Shot (white background, head and shoulders with a smiley face)
  • Copy of Passport
  • Video evidence of playing standard to be submitted to Steven via WhatsApp on  07407 148457

Timelines for selection are tight and all of the above is required to be submitted by Friday 27th January. There is also additional information available on the Special Olympics World Games found here (insert presentation). Should you have any questions please contact Steven directly on the email address above.

Download

B23 WG Athlete UP Registration & Release Form

Berlin 2023 further info

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