2015 Fall Games Volunteer Orientation

Thank you for offering your time to Special Olympics, Southern California (SOSC). SOSC would not exist today without the energy and enthusiasm of its volunteers. The time commitment for volunteers varies from a few hours per year at specific events to working several hours a week year-round. Whatever your interests, talents, background and availability, there are volunteer opportunities for you. Thank you for taking the time to go through this orientation. It will give you a better understanding of the organization, our goals and will give you an introduction to the community we serve. Welcome to Special Olympics Southern California

Who We Are Special Olympics Southern California is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. SOSC is one of 52 Chapters within the United States and is part of Special Olympics, Inc., which serves nearly 4.4 million athletes in more than 170 countries worldwide. Click here to watch our inspirational videohere

The mission of Special Olympics… is 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 friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Fall Games Fall Games is one of two championship games held every year in SOSC. More than 1,100 athletes from 9 Regions throughout Southern California will compete in the following sports at Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park, Irvine Lanes (Bowling) and The Rinks-Huntington Beach (Floor Hockey): Bowling, Floor Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball

Venue Competition Competition Awards Meal Services Athlete Dance Volunteer check-in Boutique sales Evaluation Team Info Booth Healthy Athletes Volunteer Roles At Fall Games Festival Games Organizing Committee Games Management Team Honored Guest Photography Videography Interns Medical Team Security Family Pavilion Over 1,000 volunteers like yourself give their time over two days in the following areas:

Please make sure to arrive on time. You do not need to arrive earlier than the time that is stated on your shift. Instructions pertaining to your shift will be given out at your assigned venue. If you are late there is a chance your volunteer position will be given to another individual. Please make sure to bring a form of I.D. with you to the Volunteer Registration. You will not be able to volunteer without checking in and getting your credentials. IMPORTANT NOTE Due to volunteers playing a integral part in the athletes competition and Fall Games in whole, we ask you to be present for your entire shift. Leaving earlier than the “end time” of your shift can have an affect on the athletes competition flow and schedule. We thank you for your time and commitment to serving the athletes of Southern California! When you arrive at volunteer check-in

Volunteer Guidelines As a volunteer in any capacity, you represent SOSC to the participants, the families, the general public and the media. No matter what your volunteer assignment, it is critical that you conduct yourself in a professional manner. Please remember to wear your credentials at all times and follow instructions provided by your assigned leader. All Athlete participation deserves recognition regardless of their place or finish. Please do not try to "train" or "coach" the Athletes. They have been working with their coaches for weeks for this event and are looking to them for guidance. If volunteering at a competition, do not interfere in any way with any event. An athlete may be disqualified.

Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child. Intellectual disability can happen any time before a child turns 18 years old, even before birth. Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability. Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability. Sources: American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities; the United Nations Development Program; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is an Intellectual Disability

Volunteer Terminology Please do not use the word “the” in front of Special Olympics unless describing a specific Special Olympics event or competition. Avoid the use of the phrase “intellectually disabled”. Refer to Athletes as people with intellectual disabilities OR as “Special Olympics Athletes”. We cannot use the phrase “Special Olympians.” Avoid using the term “kids” when referring to the Athletes. Adult athletes are an integral part of the programs and events.

People with intellectual disabilities and those without intellectual disabilities are more alike than different. If you're unsure of how to respond to a person with an intellectual disability, ask yourself how you would want someone to treat you. Both adults and children compete in Special Olympics events. Adults should be treated as adults. Use the term "athletes" when speaking about our competitors. Talk with the athletes the same way you would with anyone else. Use conversational tone and eye contact. Let the person know that you are interested in him or her. Most of the athletes you will meet are very friendly and will enjoy your attention, but it is also important to encourage appropriate behavior. Behavior that is not appropriate among persons WITHOUT disabilities is also not appropriate among persons WITH disabilities. Enjoy the interactions that are part of the Special Olympic experience, but don't be afraid to establish limits. Lastly, please remove the "R"- word from your general vocabulary as it is a derogatory word towards our amazing athletes. Please check-out for information on this campaign. Working with Special Olympics Athletes at Fall Games

Thank You! Fall Games would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you! We sincerely thank you for your time, commitment and enthusiasm.