Competition opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities.
One of the exciting partnerships that Special Olympics Australia has recently formed is with Gymnastics Australia. This collaboration aims to enhance the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in gymnastics across the country. Over the next three years, the two organisations will work together on various initiatives to increase participation pathways for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The partnership between Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia has been successful for the past three years, as they have been promoting and delivering inclusive sport programs. These programs are designed to develop participants' physical literacy, which refers to equipping individuals with the necessary movement skills and capabilities to lead active lives.
Kitty Chiller AM, the Chief Executive of Gymnastics Australia, expressed her excitement about extending the partnership. She stated that gymnastics provides people of all ages and abilities with the skills and experiences necessary to develop their physical literacy. Chiller believes that through this collaboration, more opportunities can be provided for individuals to get involved and fall in love with the sport of gymnastics.
One of the key commitments of this partnership is to leverage the Australian Government's Sporting Schools initiative. Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia will offer a specifically adapted program for students with intellectual disabilities. This program builds on the success of Special Olympics Australia's Young Athletes program, which has been piloted under a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.
The Young Athletes program is a play-based program that helps children aged two to eight, with and without intellectual disabilities, develop fundamental movement skills. Since the pilot program began in 2018, Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia have jointly delivered over 40 programs, benefiting around 640 participants in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria. These programs are delivered by Gymnastics Australia coaches who have been accredited in the Young Athletes coaching course developed by Special Olympics Australia.
By working in partnership, Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia have been able to address the challenges faced by Special Olympics clubs in terms of accessing facilities and qualified coaches, while Gymnastics clubs benefit from running programs during their quieter periods. This alliance has proven to be beneficial for both parties.
This latest partnership incarnation will continue to grow the Young Athletes program nationally. It aims to provide recreational gymnastics opportunities for young children with an intellectual disability, acting as a pathway into Gymnastics Australia's Kindergym program or Special Olympics club training.
To find out more about the Young Athletes program, visit the SOA Learn and Gymnastics Australia websites. You can also view the Memorandum of Understanding between Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia on our website.
Special Olympics Australia is dedicated to using the transformative power of sport to improve the lives of people with an intellectual disability. Through our inclusive programs and the support of our passionate volunteers, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of their intellectual ability, can participate in sport and lead a better life. Join us in creating an inclusive and empowering sporting community.
