Sydney Inner West Special Olympics Club is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia. As part of the Special Olympics network, the club provides a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. The club aims to help these individuals have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia, of which Sydney Inner West is a part, is one of many organisations that are part of the global Special Olympics movement. This movement, which has been transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for almost 50 years, was pioneered by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy. Special Olympics now supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
In Australia, Special Olympics began in 1976 when many individuals with intellectual disabilities were shut away in institutions. While this is no longer the norm in Australia, the organisation continues to seek public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not shut out of opportunities. By providing them with the chance to participate in sports, Special Olympics aims to open the door to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised and isolated members of the community.
The organisation believes in the power of sport to create a better world, much like the Olympics and Paralympics. However, Special Olympics differs in its focus and level of awareness and funding. While the Olympics and Paralympics cater to elite athletes, Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals of all capabilities with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes also have access to robust competition pathways, including the World Games, which are hosted every four years in summer and winter sports.
Intellectual disability refers to difficulty performing basic tasks such as reading, handling money, or using public transport. However, this does not mean that individuals with intellectual disabilities cannot learn or succeed in these areas; they simply may learn differently or require more time and support. Sydney Inner West Special Olympics Club aims to provide these individuals with opportunities to showcase their talents and abilities through sports.
The club acknowledges that unlike physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities are not always obvious. However, it firmly believes that many individuals with intellectual disabilities have hidden talents that can be uncovered through sport. The club sees sport as a way to make these abilities visible, and help individuals achieve their dreams.
Sydney Inner West Special Olympics Club is actively seeking support from the public to increase its reach and spread the joy of sport and community. The club encourages individuals to donate, volunteer, or participate in order to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.