By Lisa Best

Special Olympics…"Oh, I know about them! What a great organization. They help kids with Down syndrome. I might want to volunteer so, what day are they holding their games?"
Does that thought go through your head when you think about Special Olympics? Studies have shown that 77 percent of people surveyed were very or somewhat familiar with the program, and 97 percent of people surveyed received a "warm, fuzzy" feeling when they thought of Special Olympics. But in recent years, the demand for more outlets and resources for families with special needs children has prompted many organizations, care centers, schools, and community-based centers such as libraries to develop programs to accommodate this growing demographic. Special Olympics is doing (expanding?) so as well, much to the delight of thousands of families across the Genesee Valley region.

Who Qualifies for Special Olympics?
Special Olympics programs are open to anyone, as young as 2 years old, who has been medically diagnosed with an "intellectual disability." That can include individuals who have autism, Down syndrome or a brain injury.

"One area where Special Olympics is seeing a lot of growth has come by expanding athlete participation qualifications. More doors have been opened for families who could not otherwise take part in other organized sports such as in school districts or in community athletic programs," says Robin Mitchell, Director of Program for Special Olympics New York Genesee Region.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer our services to a new audience," says Mitchell.
Further, there is no upper-age limit for participation in Special Olympics. The oldest athlete in the Genesee Region is 86 years old!

You Can't Beat the Competition
26 Olympic-Style sports, from track and field to aquatics and equestrian are offered for competitive events. A unique system of divisioning enables every athlete, no matter what his or her level of ability, to compete. Prior to an event, athletes submit their scores and times for their specific sport. The Special Olympics staff then divides them so that within each division, the athletes' performance is within 25 percent of each other. By completing this complicated system, competitors are assured a fair outcome. Special Olympics also divide many sports into skills and team sports. By providing skills competition, athletes are able to compete even if they are new to a sport, or cannot perform at a higher level at this time.

There is often a misconception that Special Olympics athletes compete at a lower level than "normal people." In fact, Special Olympics Genesee Region is proud to have among its athletes multiple gold medalists from National Games, held in Ames, Iowa last summer. One young woman from Webster is currently ranked the fastest woman in the United States in the 100 meter, and one of the Genesee Region 4 X 400 relay teams smashed the National record by almost two seconds at Special Olympics New York Summer Games held in Albany in June. One athlete has expressed that she enjoyed participating in Special Olympics because everyone could compete no matter how fast or how slow she was compared to someone else. Special Olympics is proud to embrace athletes of all skill levels.

Young Athletes Program
This program provides an athletic outlet and early-intervention programs for children ages 2-7. Although athletes cannot compete in the main competition until they are 8 years old, this program helps children strengthen their physical development, self-esteem, and socialization skills through play. Family members and caregivers are also encouraged to become involved as the child learns success through physical activity. Studies show that early intervention is one of the most proven methods of helping young children progress at a faster rate to be all that they can be, and this program offers an additional outlet for child-care professionals. At 8 years of age, young athletes are welcomed into the competitive arena of Special Olympics in the sport(s) of their choice.

What's New?
Rochester has been awarded Special Olympics New York Fall and Winter Games for 2007 and 2008. These competitions will take place in various sites around the Rochester area. For instance, 7 sports will be presented at Fall Games, October 6-7. Total Sports Experience in Gates will host soccer, cycling, cross-country, bocce and half of the softball competitions occurring there. Cobb's Hill Park will host the remaining softball competitions, and Genesee Valley Park will host golf. Heritage Christian Stable in Webster will be the host for the equestrian
competition.

More than 1,000 athletes from across New York compete in Fall Games, and more than 1,300 are coming for the Winter Games in February, 2008.

Giving Back
You don't have to have a child with special needs to be a part of Special Olympics. Thousands of community volunteers and sponsors actively participate in on-going events and activities. Special Olympics has two levels of volunteers. One level involves coaches, who have all volunteered their time and expertise to help athletes achieve their personal goals. Special Olympics New York Genesee Region coaches have trained athletes from the local through the international level.
The second type of volunteer is the day-of event volunteer. Day-of volunteers must be at least 13 years old and willing to donate at least four hours of time to Special Olympics. At an event volunteers may be assigned as an escort to a particular athlete or team, staying with them all day and ensuring they get to their competitions, awards ceremonies and lunch on time and more.
Volunteering at the events is fun, and may even change your life! Visit the Special Olympics website or call the office to learn more about how you can get involved.

Lisa Best is Director of Corporate Development and Public Relations at Special Olympics New York Genesee Region