Sports Information Handbook - Special Olympics New Jersey

TRAININGcontinuedATHLETE SPORT TRAININGSpecial Olympics New Jersey requires an athlete to take part in aformal eight-week training program prior to any competitive event.Local and Area programs are also encouraged to offer year-roundtraining, as technical sports such as figure skating, powerlifting,gymnastics, etc. may require ongoing sport-specific training.Sports training is designed to improve the athlete's physical fitnessand sports skills. Training programs are developed and directed byan athlete's coach after an individual assessment of that athlete'sskills. Through a Local Training Program an athlete learns theimportance of proper warm up, cool down and fitness training.Additionally, an athlete improves sports skills by progressing towardmeasurable goals at his or her own pace. Special Olympics, Inc.publishes Sports Skills Program Guides providing conditioning andfundamental sport skill instruction. The order forms for Sports SkillsProgram Guides are available for download online.SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETEBILL OF RIGHTSATHLETE BILL OF RIGHTSRight to:...participate in Special Olympics...participate with other athletes of commensurate ability...have qualified coaching...share in the decision-making of their sport participation...participate in safe and healthy environments...proper preparation for participation in sports...an equal opportunity to succeed in sports...be treated with dignity...have fun in sportsSports Information Handbook 2013-2014 29