State Project 2016-2017

What is the Special Olympics? Special Olympics helps more than 4.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide The organization gives the chance for the intellectually disabled to play sports It is a symbol that anyone, even people with disabilities, can succeed if they are given the opportunities The organization also informs and raises awareness of the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities Special Olympics is the largest health organization for the intellectually disabled

What does it do for the athletes? It increases the confidence and involvement Abilities of an individual can overcome the disabilities Ways to get involved: Project Unify Spread the Word to End the Word Fundraising Volunteering

Project Unify Project Unify contains three components: Unified Sports- brings kids with intellectual disabilities and kids without intellectual disabilities together by practicing and playing together on teams Youth Activation Committee- informs the students and the public through increasing the positive impact of youth in the school School involvement- fans in the stands at local events, volunteering at local events, hosting an event With these three components a school environment can become more inclusive and help students, “work together, excel athletically and academically regardless of ability” 82% of students felt they made a positive change in their school 6 out of 10 students saw more participation of students with disabilities

Spread the Word to End the Word Everyone deserves respect in and out of school The purpose of the campaign is to stop the use of the derogatory word “retard” and raise awareness of the negative effects caused by the use of the word 19,972 students have taken the pledge Reduced bullying in participant schools and raised awareness

Fundraising The Special Olympics has over 4.5 million athletes 81,129 competitions worldwide every year (about 9 games every hour) Funds are needed because supplies and medical care is completely free to the athletes Funds are used to cover everything, even shoes which are needed because 50% of preventable foot/ankle injuries occur due to poorly fitted shoes and socks An example of a fundraiser that can be done to support the Special Olympics.

Volunteering Ways to Volunteer Volunteer for a local event Volunteer to be a player on a team Volunteer to be a coach/official Must be 18 or older Certification training is offered by Special Olympics Volunteer school facilities and recreational buildings to host trainings and events

Contact information Special Olympics website http://www.specialolympics.org/ Special Olympics Florida website http://specialolympicsflorida.org Find your county office information and directors at http://specialolympicsflorida.org/local-programs/

What if I don’t have a Special Olympics in my area? While Special Olympics is the targeted organization for our state project, if there isn’t a Special Olympics center in your area, please participate in events and activities that work with the intellectually disabled. Examples of these organizations include: Best Buddies Miracle League If you are interested in helping the Special Olympics in other areas, you may participate through: Fundraising Collecting supplies Raising awareness about inclusion