Special Olympics Clubs – Sydney Upper North Shore is a sports club in Sydney that is proud to be part of the Special Olympics network. The club provides a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for people with an intellectual disability. The goal is to help individuals have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global sporting community for people with an intellectual disability. The global movement was pioneered by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy, and Rosemary who had an intellectual disability. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. In Australia, Special Olympics began in 1976 when many people with an intellectual disability were shut in institutions.
The club seeks public support to ensure that people with an intellectual disability are not shut out and have opportunities to play sports. By providing these opportunities, the club aims to open the door to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised and isolated members of the community.
Special Olympics believe in the power of sport to create a better world, similar to the Olympics and Paralympics. However, Special Olympics is focused on people with an intellectual disability and offers a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals of all capabilities. The club provides access to robust competition pathways, including the World Games, which is hosted on a four-year cycle in summer and winter sports.
People with an intellectual disability may find it hard to do what are considered basic tasks, but it doesn't mean they can't learn to do them. They may learn differently or need more time and support to succeed. It may not always be obvious when a person has an intellectual disability, but at Special Olympics Australia, many individuals have hidden talents that sport can help them uncover.
Special Olympics Clubs – Sydney Upper North Shore aims to make ability visible and provide opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to participate in sports, be part of a community, and achieve their dreams. The club relies on support from volunteers and donations to increase its reach and spread the joy of sport and community.