Nebraska
Special Olympics Nebraska was founded in 1972 to offer numerous opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. We now serve more than 4,000 individuals in more than 110 communities and in numerous classrooms throughout Nebraska.
The Power of Sport. For every Special Olympics athlete, there are many more waiting for their chance.
Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Our goal is that all persons with intellectual disabilities have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their communities.
The benefits for our athletes are tremendous, including improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, friendships, a more positive self-image and increased family support.
Competition
Special Olympics Nebraska offers 19 different sports. Athletes train for eight weeks before competing at any regional or state competition. Athletes who place first, second or third at the regional level have the opportunity to advance to state level competition.
Unified Sports
Special Olympics Nebraska offers several “Unified” sports which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities who train and compete as a team. The hope is that these individuals will not only be teammates on the court but friends off the court.
Young Atheletes Program
Young Athletes is a program designed for children with intellectual disabilities ages two through seven. This program introduces the world of Special Olympics by engaging them in developmentally appropriate play activities. An evaluation of the program indicates this early intervention is working. Teachers and family members of participating children reported substantial gains in childrens’ social and motor skills, adaptive behavior (self care, community, self-sufficiency, etc.), communication and cognitive development.
Areas Served
Adams County, Antelope County, Arthur County, Banner County, Blaine County, Boone County, Box Butte County, Boyd County, Brown County, Buffalo County, Burt County, Butler County, Cass County, Cedar County, Chase County, Cherry County, Cheyenne County, Clay County, Colfax County, Cuming County, Custer County, Dakota County, Dawes County, Dawson County, Deuel County, Dixon County, Dodge County, Douglas County, Dundy County, Fillmore County, Franklin County, Frontier County, Furnas County, Gage County, Garden County, Garfield County, Gosper County, Grant County, Greeley County, Hall County, Hamilton County, Harlan County, Hayes County, Hitchcock County, Holt County, Hooker County, Howard County, Jefferson County, Johnson County, Kearney County, Keith County, Keya Paha County, Kimball County, Knox County, Lancaster County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Loup County, Madison County, McPherson County, Merrick County, Morrill County, Nance County, Nemaha County, Nuckolls County, Otoe County, Pawnee County, Perkins County, Phelps County, Pierce County, Platte County, Polk County, Red Willow County, Richardson County, Rock County, Saline County, Sarpy County, Saunders County, Scotts Bluff County, Seward County, Sheridan County, Sherman County, Sioux County, Stanton County, Thayer County, Thomas County, Thurston County, Valley County, Washington County, Wayne County, Webster County, Wheeler County, York County