Founded in 1976, Special Olympics Clubs – North West New England is a sports club situated in Armidale Dumaresq Council. As part of the Special Olympics network, the club aims to provide a wide range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. By offering these activities, the club strives to ensure that these individuals have fun, maintain good health, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia, to which the club is affiliated, is part of a global movement that was initiated by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy. Through her efforts, the movement has been transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities for nearly half a century. Currently, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
In Australia, Special Olympics began when many individuals with intellectual disabilities were confined to institutions. While this is no longer the case, the club seeks public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not isolated. By providing opportunities for them to participate in sports, the club hopes to foster personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for these marginalised individuals.
With only 3,000 athletes participating with Special Olympics Australia out of the 850,000 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in the country, the club is in need of support to expand its reach and spread the joy of sports and community. Donations, volunteering, and active participation in the club's activities are all encouraged.
Unlike the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sport programme that caters to individuals with intellectual disabilities of all capabilities. It provides a range of competition pathways, including the World Games hosted on a four-year cycle for both summer and winter sports. Despite the impact it has on its athletes, Special Olympics still lacks awareness and funding compared to the Olympics and Paralympics.
An intellectual disability refers to difficulty in performing tasks that are considered basic, such as reading, handling money, or using public transportation. However, individuals with intellectual disabilities can still learn these tasks, albeit differently or with more time and support. At Special Olympics Australia, it is evident that many of these individuals possess hidden talents that can be uncovered through sports.
The Special Olympics Clubs – North West New England provides a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to engage in sports and recreational activities, fostering their physical and mental well-being. By offering these opportunities, the club aims to create an inclusive and supportive community for these individuals, allowing them to flourish and showcase their abilities.