Special Olympics Clubs – Sydney Northern Beaches is a sports club based in Sydney, Australia. As a proud part of the Special Olympics network, the club aims to provide a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. Their mission is to allow these individuals to have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Australia, of which the Sydney Northern Beaches Club is a part, is a local branch of the global Special Olympics movement. Started by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy, Special Olympics has been transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide for almost 50 years. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
The Sydney Northern Beaches Club was established in Australia in 1976 to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities who were previously confined to institutions. Although institutionalisation is no longer the norm in Australia, the club continues to seek public support to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are included in society. By providing them with opportunities to play sports, the club aims to open doors to personal achievement, pride, and inclusion for marginalised and isolated members of the community.
With approximately 850,000 people in Australia having intellectual disabilities and/or autism, but only 3,000 athletes participating with Special Olympics Australia, the club emphasises the need for support to expand their reach and spread the joy of sport and community. They encourage individuals to donate, volunteer, or participate in their programmes to help increase their impact.
Although Special Olympics shares a belief in the power of sport to create a better world with the Olympics and Paralympics, there are slight differences in focus and awareness. Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities, catering to all capabilities. They also provide robust competition pathways, including the World Games hosted every four years in summer and winter sports. Despite their contributions, Special Olympics is still working towards equal awareness and funding compared to other major sporting events.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities may find it challenging to perform tasks that are considered basic for others, such as reading, handling money, or using public transport. However, this does not mean they cannot learn or achieve success. They may simply learn differently or require more time and support. At Special Olympics Australia, it is recognised that individuals with intellectual disabilities have hidden talents that can be brought to light through sports.
Overall, the Special Olympics Clubs – Sydney Northern Beaches is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports, improve their physical and mental well-being, and experience the joys of friendship and inclusion. Through their programmes and initiatives, they hope to create a more equal and accepting society for all.