Special Olympics Clubs – South Coast is a sports club located in the Eurobodalla Shire Council area in Australia. As part of the Special Olympics network, the club is committed to providing a range of opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability to participate in sports, recreation, social activities, and health programmes.
The club aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals with intellectual disabilities can have fun, improve their health, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make lasting friendships. Being a part of the Special Olympics network, the club adheres to the privacy and whistleblower policies of Special Olympics Australia.
Special Olympics has evolved from a small camp into a global movement over the last 50 years. The late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F. Kennedy, pioneered the global sporting community, with the aim of transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
Special Olympics began in Australia in 1976, during a time when many individuals with intellectual disabilities were confined to institutions. While this is no longer the norm in Australia, the club actively seeks public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not excluded. By providing opportunities for them to participate in sports, Special Olympics Clubs – South Coast aims to promote personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised members of the community.
To fulfil its mission, Special Olympics Clubs – South Coast relies on the support of the local community. With only 3,000 athletes currently participating in Special Olympics Australia, out of an estimated 850,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, the club seeks to increase its reach and spread the joy of sports and community. People can support the club by donating, volunteering, or participating in their programmes.
Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, which focus on elite athletes, Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities of all capabilities. It provides robust competition pathways, including the World Games, which are held on a four-year cycle for summer and winter sports. Although Special Olympics has yet to gain the same level of awareness and funding as the Olympics and Paralympics, it believes in the transformative power of sports to create a better world.
Having an intellectual disability means that individuals may find it challenging to perform what are considered basic tasks, such as reading, handling money, or using public transportation. However, this does not mean that they are incapable of learning these skills. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may simply learn differently or require additional time and support to succeed. Special Olympics Clubs – South Coast aims to help individuals focus on their abilities and discover their hidden talents through sports.
Overall, Special Olympics Clubs – South Coast provides an inclusive and empowering community for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Eurobodalla Shire Council area. Through sports and other activities, the club aims to improve the lives of its members by fostering personal growth, self-confidence, and meaningful connexions.