Special Olympics General Orientation for Volunteers

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Message from a Special Olympics Athlete 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Message from the Games Chief

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Orientation Goals

1.

Understand Special Olympics’ mission 2. Know the differences between Special Olympics and other sports organizations. 3. Identify the three principal factors in divisioning 4. Understand athlete advancement 5. Know the opportunities for volunteering 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Special Olympics Mission

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Special Olympics Vision and Oath

Special Olympics’ vision

is to transform communities by inspiring people throughout the world to open their minds, accept and include people with intellectual disabilities and thereby anyone who is perceived as different.

Special Olympics Oath:

Let me win; But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Special Olympics – Quick History Facts

• Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver • 1968 - First International Special Olympics Games hosted three countries and 1,000 athletes •2003 - Special Olympics World Summer Games host 150 countries and 8,000 athletes.

• 2005 – Special Olympics serves 2,256,733 athletes worldwide 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Who are Special Olympics Athletes?

Special Olympics training and competition is open to

every person with intellectual disability

who is

at least eight years of age

and who registers to participate in Special Olympics as required by the Special Olympics General Rules. 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Sports Training & Competitions Special Olympics – sports opportunities for all athletic interests and all ability levels

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Divisioning

• The system of divisioning serves as the foundation of fair and equitable competitions for athletes of all ability levels • Divisioning provides all competitors with a chance to excel • No more than 8 athletes or teams per division • In every division athletes are grouped by age, gender and ability 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Criteria for Athlete Advancement

Random draw by event: 1. All first place finishers are chosen 2. If quota not filled, 2nd place finishers are chosen Athletes in each ability group are considered equal, and deserve an equal opportunity to advance. 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Agreement with the International Olympic Committee

 Special Olympics is formally recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

 Special Olympics is the only organization permitted to use the word “Olympics” in its title.  The Olympics and Special Olympics have similar Opening Ceremonies, Closing Ceremonies, and Award Ceremonies 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Differences from Paralympics and INAS - What Makes Special Olympics Special Special Olympics INAS Paralympics 

All

athletes have intellectual disability  Opportunities for all ability levels • All athletes have intellectual disability • Only for elite athletes • Mostly serves athletes with physical disabilities. Some athletes

may

have intellectual disability  Awards for all athletes • Awards for top three finishers  Random selection to next level of competition • Only the best in an event go to the next level of competition •Only for elite athletes • Awards for top three finishers • Only the best in an event go to the next level of competition 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Myths – Know the Truth

Myth



Only for kids



Only for low ability levels



All Down syndrome athletes

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For all disabilities



Same as Paralympics



Just competition



Just track and field



Everyone wins



Winning isn’t important Truth For all ages Opportunities for all ability levels Athletes with intellectual disabilities Only athletes with intellectual disabilities Special Olympics very different Year-round training Opportunities in 26 sports Only one gold medal per division Special Olympics athletes are determined to win

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Sports offered at 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China Aquatics Athletics Badminton Basketball Bocce Bowling Cricket Cycling Dragon Boat Racing Equestrian Football Golf Gymnastics Judo Kayaking Powerlifting Roller skating Sailing Softball Table Tennis Team Handball Tennis Volleyball Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Volunteer Opportunities

School/Agency Coordinator Training Public Relations Unified Sports ® Partner Fund-raising Games Management Team Officiating Chaperoning Office Support Event Volunteer Medical Support Recruiting Athletes, Families & Volunteers

2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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More than just sports

Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) Family Leadership & Support 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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Special Olympics

Thank You

Special Olympics changes lives  inspires all  Special Olympics Special Olympics creates heroes  Special Olympics celebrates differences 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers

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