The Benefits of Athletics
The sport of athletics encourages athletes of all abilities and ages to compete at their optimum level. Through the track-and-field-based athletics training program, participants can develop total fitness to compete in any sport. As with all Special Olympics sports, athletics offers athletes the opportunity to learn through skill development and competitive settings and to be involved in large social settings.
In essence, success in athletics depends on the athlete's determination and practice habits. Yet merely by participating in an athletics training program, the athlete can learn:
- self-discipline
- the ability to make independent decisions
- lifelong fitness skills that will help him or her lead a more productive and independent life.
There are many different skill levels demonstrated by Special Olympics athletes, and the coach has the responsibility of learning the skill level of each athlete. Using that knowledge, the coach takes the resources provided in this guide and adapts the information as it applies to each athlete. Levels from basic to advanced are accommodated in the guide, giving the coach a range of skills and drills to choose from. All information is a guideline, to be used by the coach in a way that works for his or her athletes. If a skill or drill looks too difficult, the coach can simply modify it as required to help the athletes learn and perform. Keep in mind that to help athletes improve and grow, it is good for the coach to challenge them by continually observing and assessing their skills, providing new techniques and drills and giving positive encouragement, regardless of their skill level.
