Special Olympics Clubs – Ovens & Murray is a sports club located in Albury, Australia. They are proud to be part of the Special Olympics network, which provides a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. The club's main goal is to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities can have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia, the organisation to which the club belongs, is part of a global sporting community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The global movement was pioneered by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F. Kennedy, and Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
In Australia, Special Olympics began in 1976 when many people with intellectual disabilities were shut in institutions. The club seeks public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not shut out, even though institutionalisation is no longer the norm in Australia. By providing opportunities to play sports, Special Olympics Clubs – Ovens & Murray aims to open the door to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised and isolated members of the community.
Special Olympics Clubs – Ovens & Murray is connected to the Olympic movement in believing in the power of sport to create a better world. While the Olympics and Paralympics focus on elite athletes and have more awareness and funding, Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities of all capabilities. They also have robust competition pathways, including the World Games hosted on a four-year cycle in summer and winter sports.
Intellectual disability refers to individuals who find it challenging to perform what are considered basic tasks, such as reading, handling money, or using public transportation. However, this does not mean that they cannot learn these tasks; they may just need more time and support to succeed. Unlike physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities are not always obvious. Many individuals with intellectual disabilities have hidden talents, which can be discovered through participation in sports.
Special Olympics Clubs – Ovens & Murray aims to make these hidden abilities visible. Through their programmes and events, they provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talents and achieve their dreams. The club believes in the importance of not focusing on what individuals with intellectual disabilities can't do but rather on what they can do. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, Special Olympics Clubs – Ovens & Murray aims to help individuals with intellectual disabilities reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Overall, Special Olympics Clubs – Ovens & Murray is dedicated to providing sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Albury, Australia. Through their programmes, they strive to foster inclusion, personal achievement, and joy for all participants.