Special Olympics Clubs – Perth Metro is a sports club based in Perth, Western Australia. The club is part of the global Special Olympics movement, which aims to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and experience moments of joy and confidence.
Special Olympics was established in Australia in 1976, at a time when many individuals with intellectual disabilities were confined to institutions. The club continues to seek public support to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are not shut out from society. By offering opportunities to play sports, Special Olympics Clubs – Perth Metro aims to promote personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised members of the community.
Special Olympics Clubs – Perth Metro is part of Special Olympics Australia, which is a member of the global Special Olympics community. Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F. Kennedy, and Rosemary Kennedy, who had an intellectual disability. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
The club believes in the power of sports to create a better world, similar to the Olympic and Paralympic movements. However, Special Olympics focuses specifically on individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round opportunities to participate in various sports. Special Olympics Clubs – Perth Metro offers robust competition pathways, including the World Games, which take place every four years in both summer and winter sports.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities may find it challenging to perform what are considered basic tasks, such as reading, managing money, or using public transportation. However, it does not mean that they cannot learn to do these things. They simply may require different learning methods and more support to succeed. It is not always apparent when a person has an intellectual disability, unlike those with physical disabilities.
Special Olympics Clubs – Perth Metro encourages volunteers, participants, and donors to join their community and support their mission of spreading the joy of sports and creating a more inclusive society. The club aims to increase its reach and enable more individuals with intellectual disabilities to experience the benefits of participating in sports. With only 3,000 athletes currently participating in Special Olympics Australia, out of an estimated 850,000 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, the club relies on the support of the public to make a difference in their community.