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Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 30 Olympic-type sports for athletes 8 years or older.  For children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7, Special Olympics provides a Young Athletes Program. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life. As a grass-roots organization, Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.
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Planning an Aquatics Training and Competition Season

Preseason Planning and Preparation
The aquatics coach needs to prepare him/herself for the upcoming season. The list below offers some suggestions on getting started.
  1. Improve knowledge of aquatic sports and coaching skills by attending training sessions and clinics.
  2. Locate a facility (community, school, hotel, club) with proper equipment for a practice session.
  3. Recruit volunteer assistants from local swimming or diving programs. Train these assistants in techniques to ensure athletes' safety during training sessions.
  4. Recruit volunteers to transport the athletes to and from practice and competition.
  5. Ensure that all prospective aquatics athletes have a thorough physical examination before the first practice. Also, be sure to obtain parental and medical releases.
  6. Establish goals and draw up an eight-week training plan such as the one provided in this guide.
  7. Try to schedule a minimum of two training session per week.
  8. Plan a minicompetition for your athletes during the halfway point in the training season.

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