Special Olympics General Orientation for Volunteers September 16, 2018

Message from a Special Olympics Athlete

Message from the Games Chief

Orientation Goals Understand Special Olympics’ mission Know the differences between Special Olympics and other sports organizations. Identify the three principal factors in divisioning Understand athlete advancement Know the opportunities for volunteering

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Criteria for Athlete Advancement Random draw by event: 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.

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

All athletes have intellectual disability Differences from Paralympics and INAS - What Makes Special Olympics Special INAS All athletes have intellectual disability Only for elite athletes Awards for top three finishers Only the best in an event go to the next level of competition Paralympics Mostly serves athletes with physical disabilities. Some athletes may have intellectual disability Only for elite athletes Awards for top three finishers Only the best in an event go to the next level of competition Special Olympics All athletes have intellectual disability Opportunities for all ability levels Awards for all athletes Random selection to next level of competition

Myths – Know the Truth Myth Truth Only for kids For all ages Only for low ability levels Opportunities for all ability levels All Down syndrome athletes Athletes with intellectual disabilities For all disabilities Only athletes with intellectual disabilities Same as Paralympics Special Olympics very different Just competition Year-round training Just track and field Opportunities in 26 sports Everyone wins Only one gold medal per division Winning isn’t important Special Olympics athletes are determined to win

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

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

More than just sports Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) Family Leadership & Support

Special Olympics Thank You Special Olympics changes lives  Special Olympics inspires all  Special Olympics creates heroes  Special Olympics celebrates differences