WELCOME TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS PENNSYLVANIA
Dear Family Members, Friends, and Supporters,
Welcome!! Special Olympics Pennsylvania is excited to have you involved in the Special Olympics movement. Your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication are crucial to the success and fulfillment of dreams for many Special Olympics athletes across our state. It is our hope that you will feel welcome and become involved as supporters, cheerleaders, volunteers, committee members, coaches, and in all other components of the program.
Our focus is on the athlete, and ensuring that each athlete participates at a level that is both meaningful and challenging. We know that family members are often the greatest supporters of athletes and are essential to having a successful program. We welcome you and encourage you to make a difference in the life of your family member involved in our program and the countless others who benefit from their involvement with Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
State Family Committee
Special Olympics Pennsylvania
What Is Special Olympics?
Mission – To provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of joy, gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Benefits for the Athlete
Physical fitness and motor skills
Greater self-confidence
Positive self-image
Friendships
Increased family support |
Benefits for the Family
Social interaction and support
networks with other families
Opportunities to see your athlete
excel in a sport and as a person
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A Yale University study released in 1995 confirmed these benefits and stated that Special Olympics measurably enhanced the lives of those who participate. According to the study, Special Olympics athletes perform better at school, at work, and at home the longer they participate in the program.
Who Can Participate?
An athlete must be at least 6 years old (8 years old to attend competitions) and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: an intellectual disability, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay.
Sports Offered*
Summer
Athletics (Track & Field)
Aquatics
Basketball
Bowling
Cycling
Equestrian
Golf
Gymnastics
Softball
Tennis |
Fall
Bocce
Long Distance
Running/Walking
Powerlifting
Roller Skating
Roller Hockey
Soccer
Volleyball
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Winter
Alpine Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
Figure Skating
Floor Hockey
Speed Skating
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Unified Sports are also offered in various sports. This is a program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities of similar age and ability to train and compete on the same teams.
Motor Activities Training Programs (MATP) are also available for those athletes with profound disabilities and emphasizes training and participation rather than competition.
*Sports listed are those for the state of Pennsylvania. Not all local programs offer all of these sports. Please contact your local program representative for sports offered by your program.
No Participation Fees
Athletes and families pay no money for any services that Special Olympics provides. Special Olympics receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and special events.
Safety and Protection of Athletes
- Athlete Medical Exam Requirements
The athlete medical and release form provides important medical information, lists emergency contacts, serves as a photo release, and allows for emergency medical treatment to be provided to a minor in the event that a parent or guardian cannot be reached. The form also makes the athlete eligible for coverage under Special Olympics, Inc. medical insurance as a secondary policy. For the protection of the athletes, a new medical is required every three years or when there is a change in the athlete’s health or medications.
- Volunteer Criminal Record Checks
Volunteers who are or may be in regular close physical contact with athletes such as coaches, chaperones, drivers and overnight hosts, as well as volunteers with administrative and fiscal authority, and committee members, are deemed by SOPA to be Class A volunteers and must complete the Criminal Background Check process.
- 1:4 Coach/Athlete Ratio
At all Special Olympics trainings, competitions and other activities, a ratio of 1 coach for every 4 athletes is required.
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