Special Olympics General Orientation for Volunteers 2007 Special

Special Olympics General Orientation for Volunteers 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 6/10/20211

Message from a Special Olympics Athlete 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 2

Message from the Games Chief 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 3

Orientation Goals 1. Understand Special Olympics’ mission 2. Know the differences between Special Olympics and other sports organizations. 3. Identify the three principal factors in divisioning 4. Understand athlete advancement 5. Know the opportunities for volunteering 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 4

Special Olympics Mission To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype 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. 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 5

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. 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 6

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 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 7

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. 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 8

Sports Training & Competitions Special Olympics – sports opportunities for all athletic interests and all ability levels 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 9

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 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 10

Criteria for Athlete Advancement Random draw by event: 1. All first place finishers are chosen 2. If quota not filled, 2 nd place finishers are chosen Athletes in each ability group are considered equal, and deserve an equal opportunity to advance. 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 11

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 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 12

Differences from Paralympics and INAS - What Makes Special Olympics Special INAS Paralympics § All athletes have intellectual disability • All athletes have intellectual disability § Opportunities for all ability levels • Only for elite athletes • Mostly serves athletes with physical disabilities. Some athletes may have intellectual disability Special Olympics • Awards for top § Awards for all athletes three finishers § Random selection to next level of competition • Only for elite athletes • Awards for top three • Only the best in an finishers event go to the next level of competition • Only the best in an event go to the next level of competition 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 13

Myths – Know the Truth Myth § Only for kids Truth 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 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 14

Sports offered at 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China Aquatics Roller skating Athletics Sailing Badminton Basketball Tennis Bocce Team Handball Dragon Boat Racing Equestrian Football Golf Gymnastics Bowling Tennis Judo Cricket Volleyball Kayaking Cycling Softball Table Powerlifting 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 15

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 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 16

More than just sports Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) Family Leadership & Support 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 17

Special Olympics Thank You Special Olympics changes lives Special Olympics inspires all Special Olympics creates heroes Special Olympics celebrates differences 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games General Orientation for Volunteers 18