Glencoe Health

Introduction
Special Olympics is an international, nonprofit organization that gives children and adults with intellectual disabilities a chance to train and compete in more than 30 Olympic-type sports. The Special Olympics World Games take place every two years. However, Special Olympics itself is more than an event—it is a movement. Its stated goal is to help people with intellectual disabilities become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports. At the same time, it helps society see them in a new way—not as people who need special help and care, but as athletes competing on their own terms. You can learn more about Special Olympics by visiting its Web site.

Link to explore:
Special Olympics
http://www.sadd.org/

Directions:

• Follow the link above to the Special Olympics home page.
• Click on “About Us” and read the information about the Special Olympics organization.
• From the About Us page, click on the links labeled “The Heart of Growth” and “30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports,” and read through these pages as well.
• After you have examined all these parts of the site, answer the following questions:

1			How many countries participate in Special Olympics programs?
2			Which three Special Olympics sports are “recognized” but not official?
3			What are the requirements for participating in Special Olympics?
4			Identify three ways in which taking part in Special Olympics benefits people with intellectual disabilities.
5			Identify three ways in which Special Olympics benefits society as a whole.