Program Statistics & Update New York Special Olympics Mission To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype 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. Special Olympics Athlete Oath “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Do you remember when you realized that hard work and determination paid off? Confidence, skill and determination are common benefits of involvement with sports. Special Olympics is where athletes with intellectual disabilities celebrate and are celebrated for their accomplishments. For athletes, Special Olympics sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy. The fundamental difference between Special Olympics competitions and those of other sports organizations is that athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to participate, and every athlete is recognized for his or her performance. Competitions are structured so that athletes compete with other athletes of similar ability in equitable divisions. Training and competition teach athletes the importance of fitness and help prepare them for life, including handling challenges and disappointments. efforts. Athletes learn from their If they fall short, they identify the “why” and work to improve their skills. If they succeed, they identify the “why” and build on this success. Do you remember when you believed you could change the world? 504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 Tel 518-388-0790 www.specialolympicsNY.org Program Statistics & Update Special Olympics uses sports to change the world. With over 300,000 competitions held around the world each year, with training taking place every day, with family leaders, athletic leaders and volunteers spreading our message every day, Special Olympics is not just a series of athletic events – it is a worldwide movement where individuals can act locally, but have a global impact. Special Olympics invites you not just to attend the games, but to think, feel, and act differently to help create a world of acceptance and inclusion for all. 2 | Special Olympics Program Name Program Statistics & Update  Special Olympics is the largest amateur sports organization in the world. New York is the largest chapter in North America and the 6th largest chapter in the world.  Special Olympics New York has 64,659 (2013 census). Since 2008, the number of athletes has grown by nearly 20,000.  Special Olympics New York athletes train and compete year-round in 22 sports, the Young Athletes Program and the Motor Activities Training Program — at no cost to the athletes, their families, or caregivers.  More than 8,000 children, ages 2 to 7, participated in the Young Athletes program. This program has doubled within one year  A Special Olympics New York athlete trains in an average of 4.6 sports.  The most popular Summer sports are Athletics and Volleyball.  The most popular Fall sports are Soccer and Bowling.  The most popular Winter sport is Floor Hockey.  Special Olympics New York held 122 coaches training sessions in 2013.  The number of certified volunteer coaches increased in 2013 to 4,663.  There were 496 local, regional and state competitions held in 2013, with support from 35,299 community volunteers.  More than half of our training clubs are school-based, offering specialized sports training opportunities to students with intellectual disabilities. 3 | Special Olympics Program Name Program Statistics & Update 4 | Special Olympics Program Name