Representing Special Olympics Clubs – Melbourne Inner East, this sports club is part of the Special Olympics network, providing a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. Their main goal is to ensure that people with an intellectual disability have fun, stay healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia is a part of the global sporting community for individuals with an intellectual disability. The movement was initiated by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of US President John F. Kennedy, and has now grown to support over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. In Australia, Special Olympics was established in 1976 when many individuals with an intellectual disability were confined to institutions.
Although this is no longer the norm, the organisation seeks public support to ensure inclusivity and opportunities for these individuals.
Special Olympics Australia aims to increase their reach and bring the joy of sports and community to a larger number of people with intellectual disabilities by accepting donations, volunteers, and participants. With only 3,000 athletes out of the estimated 850,000 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism currently participating in Special Olympics Australia, there is a need for increased support and awareness.
While the Olympics and Paralympics focus on elite athletes and receive significant awareness and funding, Special Olympics provides a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities of all capabilities. These individuals also have access to robust competition pathways, including the Special Olympics World Games that occur every four years, featuring both summer and winter sports. However, Special Olympics still requires greater recognition and funding to match the level of awareness and support received by the other organisations.
Intellectual disability refers to individuals who may find it difficult to perform tasks that are considered basic, such as reading, handling money, or using public transport. However, it does not mean that they cannot learn or succeed in these tasks; they may simply require different learning methods or additional time and support. At Special Olympics Australia, it is evident that individuals with intellectual disabilities possess hidden talents that can be discovered through sports.
The Special Olympics Clubs – Melbourne Inner East is dedicated to making these abilities visible and providing opportunities for individuals to shine. Through sports, participants like Brittney Neill, a young athlete with autism, learn to concentrate on their abilities rather than focusing on what others may think they cannot do. By persistently working towards their dreams, these athletes prove that they can accomplish anything. Although intellectual disabilities are not always obvious, Special Olympics Australia is committed to ensuring that these individuals receive the support and opportunities they deserve.