Be a Fan of Inspiration ...
"When I first started playing two years ago, I wasn't that good," Bowers said. "I am better at the game now because I practice all the time."
Be a Fan of Inclusion ...
Sanders found a new meaning to life when he joined Special Olympics. He said that being a part of this is keeping him off the streets and it's something to look forward to because he made new friends.
Be a Fan of Sport ...
Martinez, who is from Sullivan County and is coached by Melissa Ebeling, believes that the Special Olympics has helped him stay motivated as well keeping positive.
FAQ
What is Special Olympics?
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36,788
dedicated volunteers, including more than
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certified coaches.
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Olympic-style sports. Athletes can advance from local events to regional, state, national, and even international competitions
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 2.5 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.
Special Olympics New York was organized by Dorothy Buehring Phillips in 1969. Since that time, the organization has grown to become one of the largest sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States.
How many people does Special Olympics serve?
Special Olympics serves nearly 3.5 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in more than 170 countries.
Special Olympics New York serves 61,582 (2012 census) individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Through sports training and competition, Special Olympics New York offers continuing opportunities for our athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience the joy of achievement, and make new friends.
Athletes train and compete in nine regions across New York State. With a network of over
Special Olympics New York offers a statewide, three-season program that provides 5,266 competitive and fundraising opportunities and experiences annually.
Special Olympics New York achieves its goals through quality sports training in
What is the Special Olympics Athlete Oath?
"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-style 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.
What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?
Children and adults with intellectual 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 is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 6 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially designed instruction. The Special Olympics Young Athletes™ program was created for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7.
Can individuals with profound disabilities participate in Special Olympics?
Yes, almost all sports have a Skills component and Adaptive sport component and 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.
What is divisioning?
In Special Olympics competitions, athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to participate, and every athlete is recognized for his or her performance. Through a process called divisioning, Special Olympics competitions are structured so that athletes compete with other athletes of similar ability in equitable divisions.
Are there differences between Special Olympics and Paralympics?
Yes, Special Olympics and the Paralympics are two separate and distinct organizations with specific eligibility requirements.