Special Olympics Clubs – Mid North Coast is a sports club located in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Australia. They are proud to be part of the Special Olympics network, providing a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. The club aims to help members 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 movement has been transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for almost 50 years. Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. In Australia, Special Olympics began in 1976 when many individuals with intellectual disabilities were shut in institutions.
Although this is no longer the norm in Australia, the club seeks public support to ensure that people with an intellectual disability are not shut out. By providing opportunities to play sports, the club aims to open doors to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised and isolated members of the community.
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global sporting community for people with intellectual disabilities. The organisation believes in the power of sport to create a better world, much like the Olympic and Paralympic movements. While the Olympics and Paralympics focus on elite athletes, Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals with an intellectual disability of all capabilities. They also offer competition pathways, including the World Games held every four years in summer and winter sports.
Intellectual disability refers to difficulties in performing basic tasks such as reading, handling money, or using public transportation. However, individuals with an intellectual disability can still learn these tasks, but may require more time and support to succeed. The club emphasises that having an intellectual disability is not always obvious, and many individuals have hidden talents that can be uncovered through sports.
Special Olympics Clubs – Mid North Coast aims to increase their reach and spread the joy of sport and community. With only 3,000 athletes participating in Australia, out of an estimated 850,000 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, public support is needed to make a greater impact.
In conclusion, Special Olympics Clubs – Mid North Coast provides a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in various sports and recreational activities. Their focus is on promoting inclusion, personal achievement, and self-esteem, while also providing a supportive and welcoming community. Through their programmes, they aim to make ability visible and break down barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities.