The Idaho Special Olympics 5/21/2010
What is the Idaho Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.7 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.
Since the very first Idaho statewide Summer Meet in 1970 at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Special Olympics Idaho has offered sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with mental retardation -- year-round, free of charge and state-wide.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
-Special Olympics Athlete Oath
Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially designed instruction. It does not cost anything to participate.
Can I help?
Volunteer Opportunities are available for both individuals and groups. Visit the Idaho Special Olympics web site to find out more information about current volunteer opportunities and to sign up.
How can I get more information?
The Special Olympics Idaho Chapter office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Address: 8426 Fairview Ave, Boise ID 83704
Phone: 208-323-0482 or 1-800-234-3658
Fax: 208-323-0486
Web site: www.idso.org
Email: idso@idso.org