Special Olympics Wisconsin Inc

Programs: Games & competition:special olympics wisconsin (sowi) provides free year-round training and competitions in 18 olympic-style sports to 10,970 athletes, of any age and skill level, across the state. Athletes have opportunities to compete at 702 local competitions, regional tournaments and state-level games where they push hard and play harder. They strive to beat their personal bests and build a positive self-image which carries over into the home, classroom, workplace and community. Athletes may also progress to advanced competition at the national and world level. Regardless of the level of competition, athletes are continually encouraged to carry out the athlete oath: "let me win. But if i cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. "

public education:every athlete has a story. With over 10,000 athletes in the special olympics wisconsin program, there are over 10,000 stories about courage, triumph, pride and joy. Sowi's goal is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society using sports as the catalyst; and increase the public's awareness of their capabilities and needs. By engaging individuals in the special olympics experience through earned, owned and paid media, communities foster a supportive environment for enabling athletes, empowering families, activating youth, revolutionizing services and building exemplary communities of change. In addition to media outlets, sowi engages with schools and youth leaders to promote social inclusion through disability awarness and unified sports activities through project unify. In 2017, sowi teamed with 71 schools across the state to build acceptance, instill change and create leadership opportunities for students with and without disabilities. To deliver the mission to more than 10,000 athletes across the state, at no cost to them or their caregiver, special olympics wisconsin is supported almost entirely through corporate funding and invidual gifts.

training:special olympics wisconsin offers a variety of training and education opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials. At each of the state games, athletes receive free education and health care screening through the healthy athletes program, ensuring optimal health and performance during competition. Health disciplines include oral, vision, audiology, podiatry, strength and flexibility, nutrition and healthy habits, as well as general health. Sowi held 15 clinics, staffed by 122 volunteer licensed health professionals and provided 1,944 free health screenings to athletes. Few people impact our athletes' success more than our coaches. From overseeing sports skills and practices to teaching about sportsmanship, courage and personal growth; they serve an important role in our athletes' lives. To ensure they have the tools needed to succeed, sowi hosts annual training forums on current practices for each sport per the national governing body (ngb). Each year, volunteer coaches and officials are certified to deliver authentic, competitive sporting events, mirroring an athlete's experience of other reputable sports organizations. Sowi athletes may also become coaches and pursue other leadership and training opportunities. In addition to coaches, day-of event volunteers are also trained to ensure athletes experience a safe, positive event. In 2017, 3,885 dedicated coaches and 3,976 devoted volunteers supported our athletes.