Special Olympics Clubs – Hunter Valley is a sports club located in Maitland City Council that is part of the Special Olympics Australia network. The club aims to provide a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. Their goal is to help these individuals 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. The organisation has been transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for almost 50 years and supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. Special Olympics began in Australia in 1976 and continues to seek public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not shut out from opportunities. By providing them with the chance to play sports, Special Olympics aims to open the door to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised and isolated members of the community.
Special Olympics Australia believes in the power of sport to create a better world, much like the Olympics and Paralympics. However, Special Olympics focuses on individuals with intellectual disabilities of all capabilities and provides a year-round multi-sports programme. They also offer robust competition pathways including the World Games, hosted on a four-year cycle in both summer and winter sports. While the Olympics and Paralympics receive significant awareness and funding, Special Olympics still strives to gain more recognition and support.
An intellectual disability refers to a difficulty in performing basic tasks such as reading, handling money, or using public transport. It does not mean that individuals with intellectual disabilities are unable to learn these tasks; rather, they may learn differently and require additional time and support. Unlike physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities may not always be immediately obvious. Special Olympics Australia aims to make the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities visible, as they often have hidden talents that can be discovered through sport.
The club welcomes donations, volunteers, and participation from anyone interested in supporting their mission to increase the reach and spread the joy of sport and community. By getting involved, individuals can help Special Olympics Australia provide more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and experience personal achievement and inclusion.