Special Olympics: Mission Statement and Philosophy
Mission Statement
The mission of Special Olympics is 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.
Philosophy
Special Olympics believes that consistent training is
essential to the development of sports skills, and that competition among
those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these
skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth.
Special Olympics believes that through sports training and competition, people
with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and
spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both
through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with
intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and
acceptance.
Principles
To provide the most enjoyable, beneficial and challenging
activities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics
operates worldwide in accordance with the following principles and beliefs:
- That the goal of Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with
intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby
they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become productive
citizens.
- That, as a means of achieving this goal, Special Olympics encourages its
more capable athletes to move from Special Olympics training and competition
into school and community programs where they can compete in regular sports
activities. The decision to leave or to continue involvement in Special
Olympics is the athlete’s choice.
- That all Special Olympics activities — at the local, state/provincial,
national and international levels — reflect the values, standards,
traditions, ceremonies and events embodied in the modern Olympic movement.
These Olympic-type activities have been broadened and enriched to celebrate
the moral and spiritual qualities of persons with intellectual disabilities
so as to enhance their dignity and self-esteem.
- That participation in Special Olympics training programs and competitive
events is open to all people with intellectual disabilities who are at least
8 years old, regardless of the degree of their disability.
That comprehensive, year-round sports training is available to every Special
Olympics athlete, conducted by well-qualified coaches in accordance with the
standardized Sports Rules formulated and adopted by Special Olympics, and
that every athlete who participates in a Special Olympics sport will be
trained in that sport.
- That every Special Olympics Program includes sports events and
activities that are appropriate to the age and ability level of each
athlete, from motor activities to the most advanced competition.
That Special Olympics provides full participation for every athlete
regardless of economic circumstance and conducts training and competition
under the most favorable conditions possible, including facilities,
administration, training, coaching, officiating and events.
- That at every Awards Ceremony, in addition to the traditional medals for
first, second and third places, athletes finishing from fourth to last place
are presented a suitable place ribbon with appropriate ceremony.
That, to the greatest extent possible, Special Olympics activities will be
run by and involve local volunteers, from school and college-age individuals
to senior citizens, in order to create greater opportunities for public
understanding of intellectual disabilities.
- That, although Special Olympics is primarily a program of sports
training and competition, efforts are made to offer athletes a full range of
artistic, social and cultural experiences through activities such as dances,
art exhibits, concerts, visits to historic sites, clinics, theatrical
performances and similar activities.
- That the "Spirit of Special Olympics" — skill, courage, sharing and joy
— incorporates universal values which transcend all boundaries of geography,
nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, race or religion.
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