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Frequesntly Asked Questions
Q. "What is Special Olympics?"
A. Founded in 1968 by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, Special Olympics is the largest program of year-round sports training and competition for intellectually disabled, including mental retardation children and adults, ages eight and up. The athletes are of all ability levels; no special person is too handicapped to take part in Special Olympics. Today, over 1 million athletes from 150 countries participate in Special Olympics.
Q. "How does this program benefit the participant?"
A. Special Olympics provides continual opportunities to develop physical fitness and experience the joy and challenge of competition. Special Olympics athletes develop new skills and form new friendships. They learn to set higher goals for themselves, and in working to achieve them, gain self-confidence and self-respect. This self-worth carries over into other areas of their lives. One of the most important benefits of Special Olympics is the strengthening of family relationships.
Q. "Is there a cost to the family?"
A. No fees are ever charged to Special Olympians or their families. The costs associated with Special Olympics are raised through community fund raisers.
Q. "Who provides the training and how safe is the training?"
A. Training is provided by volunteers who have been through Special Olympics training schools, which are provided in the various sports for coaches, officials, and event directors. Athlete medical care is important to Special Olympics and emergency medical treatment is arranges for competitive events. When an individual enrolls in Special Olympics, a physical examination is required. This remains on file and athletes are asked to update this information every three years.
Q. "How are the coaches and other volunteers who work directly with the athletes selected?"
A. Volunteers are recruited throughout the community. Many coaches are special education teachers, physical education teachers, recreation professionals, parents and other individuals. All volunteers are screened by Special Olympics New York and provided with an orientation prior to participating. In addition, volunteers who serve as coaches must attend a Coaches Training School. These training schools provide the volunteer with knowledge of the sport and information on coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Q. If the athletes travel to competitions, is there adequate supervision if it involves an overnight situation?"
A. Adequate supervision is provided by the Area Special Olympics program. The chaperone-to-athlete ratio is 1:3. Local Areas can increase this ratio if they feel more supervision if needed. The safety of our athletes and chaperones is most important.
Q. "If an athlete requires daily medication, can he/she still travel?"
A. The application form carries the necessary health information as prescribed by the athlete's physician. Some of our chaperones and coaches are able to administer prescription drugs according to written instructions. Medical staff is always available at games to provide any special medical needs, including medications, injections, etc.
Q. "As a Parent/Guardian, how involved do we have to become in the program?
A. No athlete is denied participation in the program if the family is not involved, but many families make Special Olympics an activity the family does together. Some of the ways to participate are:
Serving on local committees
Fund raising
Recruiting new athletes
Practicing at home
Coaching
Support at competition
Providing transportation
Encouraging athletes at events
Disclosure Items:
Determination letter, Form 990, Exemption application, also available are the three most recently filed annual infomation returns. Please contact hgray@nyso.org with your written request for said items and you should receive the documents within 30 days.

Facts worth knowing ....

Worth Magazine named Special Olympics as one of the top 100 charities in the U.S.

Special Olympics has 97% Name Recognition in the U.S. (Performance Research, 2001)

Special Olympics was named the “Most Credible Charity in America .” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Special Olympics was named 2001 Non-Profit of the Year (Direct Marketing Association)

84% of the public believes that corporate partnerships with Special Olympics  “make a difference” in the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities (Performance Research, 2001).




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