Goals of the Special Olympics Unified Sports program

• Sports skill development. Under the direction of qualified coaches, participants will have the opportunity to develop sports skills and to prepare themselves for participation in other community sports programs
• Competition experiences. Athletes benefit from physical and mental challenges participating in a variety of competitions organized by Special Olympics or by community sports organizations.
• Meaningful inclusion. Unified Sports rules and guidelines on age and ability grouping help ensure that all athletes play an important, meaningful, and valued role on the team
• Community-based participation. Unified Sports programs have found valuable partners in Parks and Recreation departments, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and many more community sports organizations. These partnerships help further include athletes in their community
• Friendship and socialization. The program provides a forum for positive social interaction between teammates and often heads to long-lasting friendships
• Transition and choice. Unified Sports programs help schools meet the transition mandates of I.D.E.A. and provide a choice for athletes in and out of Special Olympics

How it Works

A Special Olympics Unified Sports program can be conducted in a variety of settings, including:

• A program organized by a Special Olympics group
• A community or church sports program, such as an adult softball league or YMCA volleyball league
• An interscholastic or intramural after-school league at the junior high or high school level
• As part of the league system at a local bowling center
• An independent league sponsored by business of civic groups
• A program in cooperation with a local recreation and park association
• Take part in telephone campaigns to inform people about Special Olympics
• Help staff the media center or serve as a press escort at a Special Olympics event.
• Train Special Olympics athletes to give presentations through the Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger program

Administration

• Serve on US./National Program boards of directors, or area committees
• Help special education teachers or Special Olympics coaches prepare registration and medical forms
• Contribute typing, filing, and computer skills as volunteers in Special Olympics offices
• Distribute materials for a Special Olympics event
• Help Special Olympics with mass-mailing projects

Civic Groups

• Provide support for Special Olympics programs
• Adopt local Special Olympics teams
• Organize Special Olympics Unified Sports TM teams by combining group members with Special Olympics athletes
• Transport athletes to practice and competitions
• Work as a volunteer at a group home or institution
• Become a e-buddy to a Special Olympics athlete by exchanging e-mails or conducting chats on a regular basis

Friends of Special Olympics Athletes

• Serve as greeters, escorts and cheerleaders at Special Olympics Games
• Take part in recreational or social outings such as a hike or a picnic with Special Olympics athletes
• Transport athletes to practice and competitions
• Work as a volunteer at a group home or institution
• Become a e-buddy to a Special Olympics athlete by exchanging e-mails or conducting chats on regular basis

Anyone can be a Special Olympics volunteer. If you're already involved, take pride in knowing that you are an important part of a program that offers opportunities to athletes with mental retardation around the world. If you'd like to get involved, call a local Special Olympics Program today to assist Special Olympics athletes in their training and competition.

For more information about your Special Olympics Program, call 800-700-8585 or visit the Special Olympics website at www.specialolympics.org or AOL keyword: Special Olympics

• Conduct clinics or demonstrations in a new sport
• Assist Special Olympics athletes in becoming certified officials

Schools

• Include Special Olympics sports training programs in an existing adapted physical education curriculum
• Utilize the Special Olympics Sports Skills Program Guides in an after-school sports program
• Start Special Olympics Unified Sports TM teams
• Open school facilities to Special Olympics events
• Provide support at Special Olympics events
• Organize members of school sports teams to become certified Special Olympics coaches or officials
• Conduct Special Olympics sports competitions or demonstrations during regular sports events
• Award school letters to Special Olympics athletes

Fund Raising

• Support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics through corporate sponsorship or "Cops and Lobsters."
• Make financial or in-kind donations as individuals or through a business
• Conduct fund-raising campaigns in schools or through a civic group, church, or other organization
• Name Special Olympics as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, will, or employee payroll deduction
• Hire Special Olympics athletes or provide volunteer opportunities

Professional

• Establish a Special Olympics program in workplaces employing individuals with mental retardation
• Provide medical support including free physicals and X-rays, or provide pro bono legal or accounting services
• Contribute specific skills to help Special Olympics
• Sponsor or adopt Special Olympics teams
• Make donations of goods, services, or vital office supplies to local Special Olympics programs

Public Awareness

• Write articles about Special Olympics athletes, families and coaches, or join speaker's bureaus Volunteer copy writing, photography or public relations skills to local, state, or national Special Olympics Programs