Special Olympics Clubs – Gympie is a sports club located in Gympie, Australia that is part of the Special Olympics network. The club offers a range of sports, recreational, social, and health opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their main goal is to provide a space where individuals can have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global movement that was pioneered by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy. It has grown from a backyard camp into a worldwide community that supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. The club in Gympie is part of this network and aims to make a local impact by providing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and be included in the community.
The club was established in 1976 when many individuals with intellectual disabilities were confined to institutions. While this is no longer the norm in Australia, Special Olympics Clubs – Gympie continues to seek public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not left out of society. By providing opportunities for them to play sports, the club aims to open doors to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for those who are marginalised and isolated.
Special Olympics Australia believes in the power of sport to create a better world, much like the Olympics and Paralympics. However, Special Olympics focuses specifically on people with intellectual disabilities and offers a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals of all capabilities. They also provide robust competition pathways, including their World Games that are held every four years in both summer and winter sports.
People with intellectual disabilities may find it challenging to perform basic tasks such as reading, handling money, or using public transport. However, this does not mean they cannot learn to do these things. They may learn differently or require more time and support to succeed. Special Olympics Clubs – Gympie aims to make these abilities visible and help individuals uncover their hidden talents through participation in sports.
Overall, Special Olympics Clubs – Gympie is a sports club that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends. Through their involvement in the club, participants can achieve personal growth and become active members of the community.