1	Special Olympics Idaho General Orientation for Volunteers
2	Orientation Goals - 1. Understand Special Olympics’ mission 2. Know the differences between Special Olympics and other sports organizations. 3. Identify the three principal factors in divisioning 4. Know the opportunities for volunteering
3	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 friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
4	Vision & The Oath Vision: 3% of Idaho’s population, or 43,000 individuals, have an intellectual disability. Special Olympics Idaho serves over 1900 athletes. Our vision is “More Athletes, Better Opportunities, Best Quality” Oath: Let me win; But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
5	History 1963-Eunice Kennedy Shriver starts a day camp for persons with intellectual disabilities 1968 - First International Special Olympics Games hosted three countries and 1000 athletes 1970 – 250 athletes gathered this summer in Pocatello for the first Special Olympics Idaho Games. 2000- Special Olympics hosts more than 1 million athletes from over 150 countries 2003 - Special Olympics World Summer Games host 150 countries and 8,000 athletes. 2005- Projected two-million athletes worldwide.
6	Agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Special Olympics is formally recognized by the IOC. Special Olympics is the only organization permitted to use the word “Olympics” in its title. The Olympics and Special Olympics have similar Opening Ceremonies, Closing Ceremonies, and Award Ceremonies
7	WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE? Children at least 8 years old and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disability; a cognitive delay as determined by standardized measures such as intelligence quotient or other generally accepted measures; or a closely related development disability, i.e., functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.
8	Sports Training & Competition Opportunities for all interests and all skill levels
9	Special Olympics Idaho Sports BOWLING (Regional Competition) SOFTBALL* BASKETBALL* GOLF* EQUESTRAIN (Regional Competition) POWERLIFTING CYCLING ATHLETICS AQUATICS ALPINE SKIING NORDIC SKIING* SNOWBOARDING SNOWSHOEING VOLLEYBALL
10	Divisioning Provide all competitors a chance to excel Grouped by age, gender and ability. No more than 4-5 athletes per heat
11	Awards for All All athletes who participate receive awards. Athletes are given awards based on order of finish - first through 5th place.
12	Differences from Paralympics and International Sports Federation for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities (INAS) - What Makes Special Olympics Special Special Olympics All athletes have an intellectual disability Opportunities for all ability levels Opportunities for all age levels Awards for all athletes Paralympics Serves athletes with physical disabilities. Some athletes may have an intellectual disability Only for elite athletes Awards for top three finishers Only the best in an event go to the next level of competition
13	Myths - Know the truth
14	Proven Benefits Improved strength, stamina & coordination Improved self-esteem & self-confidence Healthy, skill-dependable employees Greater independent participation in community
15	Initiatives Athlete Leadership Program Allows athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered “non-traditional.” Through ALPs, athletes serve on Boards of Directors or local organizing committees. Athletes excel as spokespersons, team captains, coaches and officials. Athletes can also complete training to become Global Messengers . Global Messengers are Special Olympics athletes who help spread the message and vision of the movement as well as the benefits they have gained by participating in Special Olympics.
16	Initiatives Cont’d Healthy Athletes This initiative improves athletes' ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. Healthy Athletes is designed to help Special Olympics athletes improve their health and fitness, leading to enhanced sports experience and improved well-being. The Healthy Athletes initiative includes these disciplines: Opening Eyes Special Smiles Fit Feet Health Promotions FUNfitness
17	Benefits to the Community Special Olympics establishes a forum for interaction between people with and without intellectual disabilities through their common interest in sport. Special Olympics educates the community about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities through practices/competitions held in community and neighborhood sports & recreation facilities.
18	Volunteer Opportunities
19	The Voices of SOID
20	Special Olympics Thank You Special Olympics changes lives ä Special Olympics inspires all ä Special Olympics creates heroes ä Special Olympics celebrates differences