1. State Project

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Contact information
Special Olympics website
Special Olympics Florida website
Find your county office information and directors at

9. 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