FAQ's
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What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is a global organisation that provides year-round sports training
and athletic competition to more than 2.25 million children and adults with
learning disabilities in more than 160 countries. Founded by Eunice Kennedy
Shriver, sister of the late President John F Kennedy,in 1968 Special Olympics
provides people with learning disabilities opportunities to realise their potential,
develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.
How is Special Olympics different to Paralympics?
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organisations. Special Olympics
Great Britain is recognised as the third member of the Olympic family, providing
year-round sports, sports training, and local, regional, national and international
competitions for all learning disability levels. Paralympics provides elite-only
level sports competition for multi-disabled groups including physical, blind
and deaf.
How many people does Special Olympics serve globally/in Great Britain?
Special Olympics serves more than 2.25 million people with learning
disabilities in more than 160 countries. In Great Britain the programme
currently serves over 8000 annually through 135 volunteer led accredited
local clubs.
How is Special Olympics Great Britain funded?
Special Olympics Great Britain is a registered charity and is generously supported
annually by individual and corporate donations and currently receives no government
funding. Our Official Partner is National Grid. Premier Partners include The
Coca-Cola Youth Foundation, ABB, SAS, Domino's Pizza and Lions Clubs International.
What is the Special Olympics Athlete Oath?
The Oath is recited by Special
Olympics athletes at the start of a competition at the Opening
Ceremony. "Let
me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
What is Special Olympics' mission?
To provide year-round sports training
and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for
children and adults with learning 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.
What impact does Special Olympics have on learning disabled athletes?
Children
and adults with learning disabilities who participate in Special
Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater
self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally,
socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit
boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and
ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but “their
voices” as
well.
Who leads Special Olympics?
The Chairman of the International Board is Timothy
Shriver and he leads the global organisation. In Great Britain,
the Chairman of the Board is Lawrie McMenemy MBE and the Chief
Operating Officer is Mrs Karen Wallin.
Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible to participate
in Special Olympics, you must be at least 6 years old (8 years
of age for competition) and identified by an agency or professional
as having one of the following conditions: learning disability,
cognitive delay/s as measured by formal education assessment,
or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive
delay that require or have required specially designed instruction.
All these conditions would mean that the person has an IQ of below 75.
However, persons whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioural, or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes, but may be eligible to volunteer for Special Olympics as partners in Unified Sports® if they otherwise meet the separate eligibility requirements for participation in Unified Sports set forth in the Sports Rules.
Can individuals with profound disabilities participate in Special Olympics?
Yes,
through Special Olympics’ Motor Activities Training Program (MATP),
developed by physical educators, physical therapists and recreation
therapists. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than
competition.
Where do I find information about Special Olympics Sports Rules and Coaching
Guides?
Please click here
When are Special Olympics World Games held?
The Special Olympics World Summer
Games are held every four years; the 2003 World Summer Games were
held in Dublin, Ireland, on 20-29 June; the 2007 World Summer
Games in Shanghai, China October 2-11th. The next World Summer
Games are in 2011 in Athens, Greece. The Special Olympics World
Winter Games are also held every four years; the 2005 World Winter
Games took place in Nagano, Japan, on 26 February-5 March and
the next World Winter Games are being held in Boise, Idaho in
the USA in February 2009.
Is Special Olympics part of the Olympic movement?
In 1988, Special Olympics
was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as
the third member of the Olympic family. It is the only sports organisation
authorised by the IOC touse the word ‘Olympics’ in its title.