1. Special Olympics
General Orientation
for Volunteers
September 16, 2018

2. Message from a Special Olympics Athlete

3. Message from the Games Chief

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Special Olympics – Quick History Facts
Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver
First International Special Olympics Games hosted three countries and 1,000 athletes
Special Olympics World Summer Games host 150 countries and 8,000 athletes.
2005 – Special Olympics serves 2,256,733 athletes worldwide

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. 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

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

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