Special Olympics Washington

Programs: Persons with intellectual disabilities, regardless of ability level, may participate in sports and other programs offered by special olympics washington. Individuals are eligible for training and competition at age eight and there is no upper age limit. More than 14,000 athletes participate in sowa activities; over 4. 5 million athletes compete in special olympics programs in 180 countries. *training & competition - training and competition is offered year round to special olympics athletes. Competition takes place at local, regional and state tournaments. Individuals and teams compete in divisions according to age, gender and ability. *volunteers - more than 8,000 volunteers support special olympics washington activities. Volunteers serve as coaches, sports officials, committee members and on-site volunteers at competitions and fundraising events. Coaches and officials are trained and certified at clinics offered by special olympics washington. More than 1. 7 million volunteers support special olympics programs worldwide. *unified sports - athletes with intellectual disabilities pair with persons without disabilities and form teams for training and competition. Unified sports integrates special olympics athletes with other athletes to build self-esteem and increase understanding of persons with different abilities. *healthy athletes - special olympics athletes are provided opportunities to improve health and fitness through dental, vision, feet, hearing and general health screenings. Physicians and healthcare professionals provide these services at no cost to special olympics athletes at tournaments. *sports - owinter season & winter games - alpine skiing, basketball, cross country skiing, figure & speed skating, snowboarding ospring season & summer games - aquatics, athletics (track & field), long distance running/walking, cycling, power lifting, soccer osummer season & summer sports - golf, softball ofall season - bowling, volleyball (recreational)*young athletesan innovative sports play program, designed for early childhood intervention, seeks to strengthen self-esteem and physical development for children with id ages 2-7 years old. *athlete leadership program - athletes are provided the opportunity to expand personal growth by acting as spokespersons, team captains, coaches, officials or by representation on the special olympics washington board of directors. *get into it - a school-based curriculum initiative, so get into it helps teachers and students promote awareness and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.