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What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is an international
organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual
disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of
society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers
children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and
competition in 26 Olympic-type
summer and winter sports. There is no charge to participate in Special
Olympics.
How many people does Special Olympics serve?
Special
Olympics serves 1 million persons with intellectual
disabilities
in more than 200 Programs in more than 150 countries. That number is expected
to double by 2005.
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-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
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 leads Special
Olympics?
Eunice Kennedy Shriver is Founder and Honorary Chairman, Sargent Shriver is
Chairman of the Board Emeritus and Timothy P. Shriver is Chairman.
Who is eligible to
participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 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. It does not cost anything to participate.
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.
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 Special
Olympics World Winter Games also
are held every four years; the
2005 World Winter Games will be held in Nagano, Japan, on 26 February-5 March.
The first Special Olympics World Games was held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in
1968.
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