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2	General Orientation Goals Understand Special Olympics mission, philosophy, history and vision Describe intellectual disabilities as a concept Understand similarities and differences from other sports organizations Identify Special Olympics challenges/opportunities Advocate for persons with intellectual disabilities Become a dedicated, impassioned volunteer
3	The mission of Special Olympics is to provide: Year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals age 8 and up with intellectual disabilities giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community
4	Mission Highlights Outcomes Physical fitness Courage & joy Sharing of gifts & skills Friendship Families Athletes Community Components Year-round Sports training & competition Olympic-type sports Individuals aged 8+ with intellectual disabilities
5	Vision To help bring persons with intellectual disabilities into larger society under conditions where they are: Accepted Respected and Given a chance to become useful and productive citizens
6	Our Athletes Deserve To receive appropriate instruction & encouragement. Consistent training and quality coaching performed at a professional level. Opportunities to compete with athletes of equal ability. New opportunities for life-changing experiences.
7	To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, an athlete must: Be identified as having an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability. Be 8 years or older (may practice at age 6) Be registered, which means have a current Application for Participation (medical) on file with SOOR.
8	In the Beginning . . . Eunice Kennedy Shriver Started a day camp in her backyard for individuals with intellectual disabilities in 1960 and saw the great possibilities ahead Organized the first International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois in 1968
9	Organizational Structure of Special Olympics - Worldwide
10	SOOR Program Structure The ATHLETES: served by all involved SOOR Board of Directors: set policies/procedures CEO – Margaret Hunt: Implements Board directives, oversees SOOR staff Program Staff: Oversee the implementation of policies/procedures Local Program Coordinators (LPC): Volunteers who oversee the delivery of quality programs in a specific county or area Local Program Management Teams: Volunteers who support the work of LPC’s in the areas of training, fundraising, volunteer management, etc. Volunteers that help coach, plan competition, or raise funds
11	Persons with intellectual disabilities Can be identified as such by an agency or professional Have a cognitive delay Have a closely-related developmental disability
12	How Common are Intellectual Disabilities? Incidence 300 million worldwide 7.5 million in US Prevalence 7 times more than deafness 9 times more than cerebral palsy 15 times more than total blindness 35 times more than muscular dystrophy
13	Athletes are Individuals who: Demonstrate substantial limitations in present functioning characterized by: Sub-average intellectual functioning Limitations in two or more areas of adaptive skills, such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction or self-care Usually manifested before age 18
14	How is Special Olympics the same as other sports organizations? Special Olympics follows the National Governing Body rules of each sport. Athletes train prior to competition. Competitions are held locally (Regional events) allowing athletes to qualify to advance to higher levels of competition (State events).
15	How does Special Olympics differ from other sports organizations? Sports opportunities are available for all ability levels Athletes compete in divisions made up of individuals with equal ability levels. All participants receive an Award. Advancement to higher levels of competition (World level) is done by random draw Athletes and family members are not charged a fee to participate
16	What sports are offered for Oregon athletes? Winter Season Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Basketball, Powerlifting Spring/Summer Season Athletics (Track & Field), Bocce, Golf, Gymnastics, Softball Fall Season Aquatics, Bowling, Soccer, Volleyball, Long Distance Running
17	A Place for EVERYONE There is a way for individuals of all skill levels to compete in Special Olympics. Following is an example of the spectrum of choices for the sport of : Basketball Individual Skills – Target pass, spot sheet, 10 meter dribble for athletes just learning basketball skills as well as athletes utilizing wheelchairs Half Court – 3 on 3 for athletes just learning to play on a team Team Play – 5 on 5 team following NGB rules regulation play Unified Sports® Team – 3 athletes, 2 partners on a regulation team also regulation play
18	Who else do we reach? Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) Comprehensive motor activities and sports skills lead-up training for individuals with severe disabilities. Athletes participate in a non-competitive Challenge Day event
19	Who else do we reach? Unified Sports® Provides opportunities for athletes to participate in competitive sports on teams with peers without intellectual disabilities. Those involved have an opportunity to become teammates and friends.
20	Sports Rules Based on International and National Governing Body Rules Contain few modifications Provide sports & events for all ability levels Govern all Special Olympics competitions
21	How do you make training work? Frequent repetition of a skill Frequent reinforcement of correct behavior Consistent use of key words to reinforce skill Appropriate levels of instruction Continuous assessment and advancement
22	Minimum Training Requirements Special Olympics athletes are required to participate in a structured training program before competing each sport season. Minimum training requirement is 10 hours over an eight-week period Additional training is encouraged
23	Training Resources Where can a coach find help? SOI Official Sports Rules International/ National Governing Body Rules Sport-specific Coaching Guides (available at: www.specialolympics.org)
24	Divisioning – When athletes attend a competition, they are placed in a division (heat) with athletes of similar ability level. This provides all competitors a chance to excel No more than 3-8 athletes or teams per division Athletes are grouped by age & gender Further separated by ABILITY
25	Competition Opportunities Athletes may compete in a variety of ways: Leagues Local scrimmages & competition Tournaments School sports Community or club programs Invitationals Program-level games & competition
26	Progression of Games Local Regional State National World
27	Criteria for Athlete Advancement (State, National or World Games) Other considerations: Athlete not barred, due to prior competition experience at higher level of competition Additional criteria from Program, approved by appropriate governing body Process Training requirement: 10 hours within 2 months prior to culminating competition Previous competition: Same sport Quota driven Random draw by event: All first place finishers If quota not filled, 2nd place finishers
28	Special Olympics Credibility & Awareness 97% name recognition in the United States (Performance Research, 2001) Named the most credible charity in America (Chronicle of Philanthropy, 1995) 2001 Non-Profit of the Year (Direct Marketing Association, 2001)
29	How do Athletes Benefit? Improved strength, stamina & motor skills Improved self-esteem & self-confidence Healthy, skill-dependable employees Greater independent participation in community A Yale University study (1995) stated that increases in performance at work, school and home correspond directly with the length of time an athlete spends in a Special Olympics program.
30	How do Families Benefit? Share the accomplishments of their children. Allow the extended family to participate in year-round sports training and competition. Share Special Olympics joy with other families.
31	Special Olympics Challenges/Opportunities More athletes need to be served There is a need for more volunteers - especially sport experienced coaches Providing enough opportunities for quality training & competition Providing inclusive sports opportunities There is a need for more family involvement Public education must be ongoing
32	YOU make it happen! Oregon Volunteer Participation: Over 7,000 volunteers are involved in Oregon! SOOR is: Athlete Focused Volunteer Driven Staff Supported
33	How can my involvement make it better? Increase the number of athletes that can be served Improve the quality of coaching Provide more sports training opportunities Create family opportunities Update public awareness
34	What do Volunteers do?
35	The Spirit of Special Olympics “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” -- Athlete Oath
36	Complete the Quiz Below is a quick quiz for you to complete in order to meet the qualifications to start volunteering. Complete the quiz and click submit.