Glossary of Terms Cross-Sector Relationships: Fellows will be trained to reach out to multiple interest groups, to include a possible combination of partners from Government, NGO’s, Universities, or Special Olympics. EKS Fellows: Those individuals selected to participate in the Program. EKS Fellowship Program Specialist: Lisa Dietz is the EKS Fellowship Program Specialist and is responsible for recruitment and Program management. She can be reached at (202) 824-0228 and ldietz@specialolympics.org. FAQ's Detailed Program Content Application Eunice Kennedy Shriver: Founder of Special Olympics. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Fellowship Program: A professional development opportunity for mid-career individuals interested in NGO and Governmental efforts benefiting people with intellectual disabilities. Fellowship project: Fellows will develop a Fellowship Project while in the U.S. and will implement their project within their National Special Olympics Program upon their return home. The project should last no less than 250 hours and should take place over a period of 6 months. Intellectual Disability: According to the WHO, intellectual disability is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind characterized by impairment of skills and overall intelligence in areas such as cognition, language, and motor and social abilities. Intellectual disability can occur with or without any other physical or mental disorders. Although reduced level of intellectual functioning is the characteristic feature of this disorder, the diagnosis is made only if it is associated with a diminished ability to adapt to the daily demands of the normal social environment. (Visit www.who.int for more information.) Mentors: The Mentor will be based in the U.S. Host Program and will work with the EKS Fellowship Program Specialist and the Fellow to create a meaningful experience that is pertinent to the interests of both the Fellow and the Program. The Mentor will also oversee and advise on the development of the Fellow’s project. Special Olympics: Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 2.5 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  Partner Country Programs: Those countries in which Fellows are being recruited in a given year. In year 1, these countries are Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, India, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. U.S.  Host Program: Fellows will be placed in a U.S.-based Special Olympics Program for eight of the twelve weeks of the Program. The U.S. Programs that have been selected to serve as Hosts (New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, New York City) represent a racially, culturally, and geographically diverse cross-section of the United States. Placements of Fellows in Host Programs will be made based on an individual Fellow’s learning objectives and on the interests of Host Programs. Return to EKS Fellowship Home