SO-Link: Athletes
What is SO-Link?
SO‑Link (Linking Athletes with Scientific Opportunities) is a new Special Olympics project. It offers Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to have their voices heard. This is through research and evaluation projects.
SO-Link is a collection of athletes who want to take part in research and evaluation projects. This is what SO-Link does:
SO-Link is a collection of athletes who want to take part in research and evaluation projects. This is what SO-Link does:
Shares approved projects that want to enroll athletes.
Links athletes with opportunities to participate in research and evaluation projects.
It is really important that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are included in health research because when we are included, doctors and researchers learn what we really need to stay healthy.
Margaret Turley, Special Olympics Ireland athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
How does SO-Link Work?
Joining SO-Link is easy. It starts when an athlete (or their parent or guardian) answers a “yes” or “no” question on the Special Olympics athlete registration form. When an athlete chooses “yes,” their name is added to a private e-mail list.
If a research study matches an athlete’s age, interests, or experience, they may get a message from Special Olympics. Special Olympics will never share your information without your permission.
SO‑Link makes it simple and safe for athletes to learn about new research and evaluation projects.
What does Research and Evaluation Look Like?
Research can be done in different ways.
Here are some examples:
Here are some examples:
Short surveys asking about experiences at events or in daily life.
Projects designed to better understand people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). An example of this could be to learn how to make doctor visits easier or how exercise affects mood.
Studies testing new treatments or therapies that a doctor or scientist thinks will improve health.
Simple surveys about Special Olympics events, health screenings, or other activities to help make them better for everyone.
Research and Evaluation can be done by:
Special Olympics
(like evaluation projects to improve programs)
Colleges or Universities
(like studying how fitness affects health)
Government Agencies
(like the CDC doing national health surveys)
Private Companies
(like testing new accessible health products)
Non-profits
(like studying inclusion in sports or employment)
Why Is Research and Evaluation Important?
Research and evaluation helps us learn more about the health, experiences, and needs of people with IDD.
When you join a research or evaluation study, it helps Special Olympics and others learn more about how people with IDD stay healthy and how we can help people with IDD improve their health.
WHAT SO-LINK DOES
Carefully reviews every project before sharing it with you. This is to make sure it fits Special Olympics mission and is safe and appropriate for all athletes.
Shares only research or evaluation opportunities that match you and your interests.
Sends project information. It will include information to help you understand the project.
Includes a direct link if you want to learn more or contact the research team. It is up to you to click the link if you want to participate.
WHAT SO-LINK DOES NOT DO
SO-Link will never share your personal information with anyone outside Special Olympics unless you say it’s okay.
SO-Link will never force you to take part in any project. You can always say “no.”
SO-Link will never send you messages about projects that haven’t been fully reviewed and marked as safe and appropriate by Special Olympics.
SO-LINK ATHELTE ENROLLEMT FORM
If you are a Special Olympics athlete and are interested in joining SO-Link, please complete the following questions (Please note that at this time only Special Olympics athletes are eligible to sign-up for SO-Link):
Special Olympics wants to help our athletes and their families stay healthy and happy. We may take part in research studies and would share information for your potential participation. All studies will be checked by the Special Olympics Chief Health Officer.
Special Olympics wants to help our athletes and their families stay healthy and happy. We may take part in research studies and would share information for your potential participation. All studies will be checked by the Special Olympics Chief Health Officer.
Athletes, Special Olympics Programs, and researchers can learn more about SO-Link by following the links below:
What Athletes Should Know
Learn about what SO-Link is and if your local Special Olympics Program is part of SO-Link.
What Programs Should Know
Programs interested in enrolling athletes or learning about SO-Link can find more information here.
Research Application
For external researchers, universities, agencies, or other project coordinators interested in submitting a project for SO-Link, should apply here.
