Mental retardation manifests before age 18. In keeping with the current language practised within the field, the term 'mental retardation' is no longer commonly used. Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with a mental disability the opportunity to train and compete in sport activities.
Inclusion is preferred to exclusion when eligibility is in question.
Individuals who have both a mental disability and multiple disabilities may participate in Special Olympics programs and competitions. This condition exposes Down Syndrome individuals to the heightened possibility of a neck injury if they participate in activities that hyperextend or radically flex the neck or upper spine. B. CSO requires temporary restriction of individuals with Down Syndrome from participation in certain activities. However, such individuals shall not be permitted to participate in sport training and competition which, by their nature, result in hyperextension, radical flexion or direct pressure on the neck or upper spine. B. CSO requires temporary restriction of individuals with Down Syndrome from participation in certain activities.