First Step: Introduction
What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, promotes social inclusion and builds inclusive communities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) around the world. Through programming in SPORTS, HEALTH, EDUCATION, and LEADERSHIP, Special Olympics promotes equal rights and opportunities for people with ID.
Mission
To provide year-round sports training & athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Vision
Through sport, we will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all over the world.
Goals
Improve local sports participation and well being of athletes to strengthen communities; Remove barriers to inclusion and expand our reach through digital technology.
Levels of Special Olympics Operations
Local Club
- Organizes Special Olympics in a local community
- Engages athletes, families and siblings, coaches and volunteers
- Organized according to Accredited Program rules and this guide
SPECIAL OLYMPICS NATIONAL/STATE PROGRAM
- Organizes national, state and local events and Games
- Often is divided into sub-Programs (by province, county or similar geographic area within Country/State)
- Provides Local Clubs with guidance, support, information, resources, policies and procedures
SPECIAL OLYMPICS REGION
- Supports implementation of SOI rules & policies regionally
- Supports development and roll-out of Special Olympics resources
- Provides support to National and State Programs in the Region
- Organizes Regional events and Games
SPECIAL OLYMPICS INTERNATIONAL (SOI)
- Provides global resources
- Guides overall strategic direction
- Accredits National and State level Special Olympics Programs
- Organizes global events and Games
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE OATH
Local Club is a local branch of the Special Olympics National/State Program that offers sport and non-sport activities. The importance of the Local Club level of the organization cannot be emphasized enough. It is at the Local Club grassroots level of the movement where communities of inclusion are built, and everyone’s abilities are appreciated.
Who is involved?
A Local Club is open for anyone to become a member: people with and without intellectual disabilities, their families, and volunteers from all backgrounds
Volunteers
Community members and students can volunteer as coaches, sports officials, fundraisers, and in club management roles. Youth volunteers are key ensuring club sustainability.
Families of people with ID
Families and siblings are encouraged to participate in Special Olympics as volunteers, coaches, healthy lifestyle promoters.
Unified Partners
People without ID regularly training and competing with athletes as part of Unified Sports team where every player is treated equally.
Athletes
To train and compete as a Special Olympics athlete, an individual must be identified as having an intellectual disability (ID) and 8+ years old.
What is the purpose of a Local Club?
SPORTS
To offer ongoing training and competition opportunities for people with and without ID, according to Special Olympics rules and guidelines.
INCLUSION
To bring people together in a welcoming and inclusive environment that gives people with and without ID a sense of community.
HEALTH & FITNESS
To promote a healthy lifestyle, fitness, nutrition and well being of everyone in the community.
LEADERSHIP
To develop leaders with and without ID who will expand the Local Club, strengthen their leadership skills, and set a strong leadership example for everyone.
FUN AND RECREATION
To create a fun, open environment where people can enjoy sports and social activities.