Timothy Shriver is the Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics International. A volunteer Board of Directors, composed of business and sport leaders, professional athletes, educators and experts in intellectual disabilities, from around the world, determines international policies. The Special Olympics HQ is located in Washington DC: Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 USA tel. +1 (202 628 3630, Fax +1 (202) 824 0200 (For more information see: www.specialolympics.org/leaders)
Who represents Special Olympics in Greece?
Special Olympics Hellas is the official representative local Program for Special Olympics and is headed by Joanna Despotopoulou, President
Special Olympics Hellas is a non-profit Sports and Education Organization. It was founded in 1987 with the purpose to provide sports training and athletic competition to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs in Greece are run by volunteers. The budget for training, competitions and public awareness activities is covered by corporate sponsorship and donations by individuals, while a considerable percentage is covered by Government Grants. The President of the Hellenic Republic and the Hellenic Parliament have granted Auspices to Special Olympics Hellas. The Organization is affiliated to the Hellenic Olympic Committee and has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Sports.
To date, Special Olympics Hellas offer training programs and competition opportunities in 24 Olympic-type Sports namely: Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnastics, Tennis, Table Tennis, Football (5-a-side and 11-a-side), Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Sailing, Equestrian, Bowling, Golf, Judo, Power Lifting and four Winter Sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating and Snow Shoeing. From September to June every year, Special Olympics Hellas, beyond the training sessions, organize local, regional and national Games.
Greek athletes who have been trained and participated in Games, at Home and Abroad, exceed the number of 11,000. They train on a regular basis and work hard year round demonstrating to society their skills and rights for
Equal opportunities in education, respect of diversity, sharing the joy that sports offer.
Special Olympics Hellas is located at: Elpa Building, 395 Messoghion Avenue, 153 43 Athens – Greece. Tel: +30 210 6068955, Fax: =30 210 6068 981, e-mail: info@specialolympicshellas.gr
For further information visit: www.specialolympicshellas.gr
What is the difference between Special Olympics and Paralympics?
Special Olympics and the Paralympics are two separate and distinct organizations. Special Olympics athletes are people with intellectual disabilities, while Paralympics athletes are people with physical disabilities
How many people does Special Olympics serve?
Special Olympics serves more than 2.5 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in more than 180 countries.
What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices" as well.
Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially designed instruction. The Special Olympics Young Athletes™ (link) program was created for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7. (For more information on this topic, see www.specialolympics.org/Eligibility)
Can individuals with profound disabilities participate in Special Olympics?
Yes, through the Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), developed by physical educators, physical therapists and recreation therapists. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition.
Special Olympics :: World Summer Games Athens 2011