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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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Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is both the coach's and the athletes' commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities that are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Below, we highlight a few focus points and ideas on how to teach and coach sportsmanship to your athletes. Lead by example.
 
Competitive Effort
  • Put forth maximum effort during each event.
  • Practice the skills with the same intensity as you would perform them in competition.
  • Continue your routine after falling or making a mistake.
 
Fair Play at All Times
  • Always comply with the rules.
  • Demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play at all times.
 
Expectations of Coaches
  1. Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow.
  2. Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and insist that they make sportsmanship and ethics the top priorities.
  3. Respect judgment of contest officials, abide by rules of the event and display no behavior that could incite fans.
  4. Treat everyone with respect.
  5. Instruct athletes to congratulate fellow skaters after competition, regardless of results.
 
Expectations of Athletes & Partners in Special Olympics Unified SportsŪ
  1. Treat teammates with respect.
  2. Encourage teammates when they make a mistake.
  3. Treat opponents with respect.
  4. Respect judgment of contest officials, abide by rules of the contest and display no behavior that could incite fans.
  5. Cooperate with officials, coaches, directors and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
  6. Do not retaliate (verbally or physically) if the other skaters demonstrate poor behavior.
  7. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing Special Olympics.
  8. Do not intentionally obstruct the skating route of others.
 
Remember
  • Sportsmanship is an attitude that is shown in how you and your athletes act on and off the ice.
  • Be positive about competing.
  • Respect your opponents and yourself.
  • Always stay under control, especially if you are feeling mad or angry.
 
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