SO-Link
What is SO-Link?
SO-Link (Linking Athletes with Scientific Opportunities) is a Special Olympics initiative that connects athletes who want to hear about research and evaluation opportunities with projects that have been carefully reviewed and approved by a committee of Special Olympics staff, athletes, and advisors.
15,500+
Special Olympics athletes have signed up to join SO-Link since 1 January, 2026.
When Did SO-Link Launch?
SO-Link officially launched in June at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
Athletes, Special Olympics Programs, and researchers can learn more about SO-Link by following the links below:
What Athletes Should Know
Learn about what SO-Link is and if your local Special Olympics Program is part of SO-Link.
What Programs Should Know
Programs interested in enrolling athletes or learning about SO-Link can find more information here.
Research Application
For external researchers, universities, agencies, or other project coordinators interested in submitting a project for SO-Link, should apply here.
HOW DOES SO-LINK WORK?
Athletes join SO-Link by answering “yes” to a question on the Special Olympics Athlete Registration Form asking if they want to hear about research or evaluation opportunities. Those who say yes are added to a secure, private email list managed by Special Olympics.
When a project is approved and matches an athlete’s age, condition, interests, or experiences, a Special Olympics email account sends that athlete an easy-to-read message describing the opportunity and how to learn more or sign up.
Athletes can opt out of SO-Link at any time and will then stop receiving project emails.
When a project is approved and matches an athlete’s age, condition, interests, or experiences, a Special Olympics email account sends that athlete an easy-to-read message describing the opportunity and how to learn more or sign up.
Athletes can opt out of SO-Link at any time and will then stop receiving project emails.
WHAT SO-LINK DOES
Offers athletes the chance to have their voices heard and be represented in research and evaluation.
Maintains a list of athletes who have voluntarily opted in to receive information about research and evaluation opportunities.
Reviews and maintains a collection of vetted and approved internal and external projects that are appropriate for Special Olympics athletes.
Shares easy-to-read information about approved projects with enrolled athletes via Special Olympics email, including links to learn more or contact the research team.
Helps ensure only projects that are aligned with Special Olympics’ mission and meet ethics and safety standards are shared.
Reduces the burden put on Special Olympics North America Programs who field external requests for athletes to participate in research.
WHAT SO-LINK DOES NOT DO
Does not collect any new information on athletes beyond what is already collected on the medical form.
Is not a research or evaluation project but rather an entry point to learn about research opportunities.
Is not a registry.
Does not share any athlete personal information with external research projects or partners unless the athlete chooses to contact them directly.
Does not pressure or require athletes to take part in any project; participation is always voluntary, and athletes can say no or ignore messages.
Does not share projects that have not been reviewed by a Special Olympics review committee and, for external projects, an ethics review board.
Does not use athletes’ personal data for research publications.
SO-LINK ATHELTE ENROLLEMT FORM
If you are a Special Olympics athlete and are interested in joining SO-Link, please complete the following questions (Please note that at this time only Special Olympics athletes are eligible to sign-up for SO-Link):
Special Olympics wants to help our athletes and their families stay healthy and happy. We may take part in research studies and would share information for your potential participation. All studies will be checked by the Special Olympics Chief Health Officer.
Special Olympics wants to help our athletes and their families stay healthy and happy. We may take part in research studies and would share information for your potential participation. All studies will be checked by the Special Olympics Chief Health Officer.