Changing lives through sport — a report card on ... - Special Olympics

<strong>Changing</strong> Attitudes <strong>Changing</strong> the World<strong>Changing</strong> Lives <strong>through</strong> Sport — A Report Card on the Impact of Special OlympicsIndividuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), with criticalsupport from their families, face a daunting array ofchallenges in their efforts to lead quality <strong>lives</strong>. Thesechallenges affect every aspect of their <strong>lives</strong>, includingwhere they go to school, where they live, the type andquality of health care they receive, their opportunitiesfor gainful employment and careers, and, importantly,their ability to participate in a meaningful way in theircommunities and society at large. In many countries,including the United States, laws have been establishedand programs developed to support the participationand decent treatment of people with ID. But, as SpecialOlympics research has indicated, people with ID stillare discounted and denied opportunity on a routinebasis, even in countries with years of experience inadvocating for people with ID. In countries that have notgone <strong>through</strong> such a societal evolution regarding peoplewith ID, the <strong>lives</strong> of these people are generally starkand put at risk in myriad ways.Special Olympics recently documented, <strong>through</strong>large-scale objective assessments (Special OlympicsImpact Survey, Special Olympics Athlete ParticipationSurvey) both the impact of its programs on the <strong>lives</strong> ofits U.S. athletes and the reach of its programs in theUnited States and around the world. As such, these datacan be viewed as a <strong>report</strong> <strong>card</strong> on the state of SpecialOlympics athletes and the Special Olympics movement.Special Olympics was created to address the neglect anddisregard of this population by using <strong>sport</strong> as a vehicleand stage for demonstrating the dignity and capability ofpeople with ID. Special Olympics was designed to offerdirect service, support and a rare opportunity to peoplewith ID, but, at the same time, to impact the perspectivesof society at large toward this population. Over the 37years of Special Olympics history, there is extensivedocumentation of competitions waged, medals won andbarriers overcome around the world. Athletes, families,coaches, volunteers and spectators repeatedly havewitnessed many small and large miracles <strong>through</strong>Special Olympics.While Special Olympics has been widely viewed as avery humane and needed program for people with adisability, it has had to work hard to communicate that itis also an important program, based on sound scientificprinciples, that is producing significant benefits to itsrapidly growing body of constituents and society as awhole. Documenting such impacts in terms of qualityand scope and the opportunities to enhance and expandthem is an appropriate expectation of a program thatinvolves millions of people annually around the world.Documenting the Impact of Special OlympicsIn 2004, Special Olympics commissioned a multi-leggedstudy of the impact of Special Olympics programs onthe <strong>lives</strong> of its athletes in the United States. The studyincluded survey research of current and former athletes,coaches and family members from a representativesample of U.S. athletes and coaches. The approach wasto assess the athlete experience and benefits received<strong>through</strong> participation in Special Olympics. A uniqueaspect of this study was the direct assessment of theathlete experience <strong>through</strong> surveys of the athletesthemselves. Both current and former athletes wereinterviewed by telephone. Interviews of family membersand coaches along similar lines allowed for crosscheckingresponse patterns for consistency. The studywas conducted over a period of four months starting inOctober 2004. Overall, more than 2,000 interviews wereconducted - 579 athletes (303 active, 276 inactive), 1,307family members and 300 coaches were interviewed,representing 17 Special Olympics Programs in the UnitedStates. It is the most comprehensive assessment to dateof the impact of the Special Olympics experience on the<strong>lives</strong> of people with intellectual disabilities. The study wascarried out by the University of Massachusetts Boston

and the University of Utah with support from the GallupOrganization. Dr. Gary Siperstein and Coreen Haradafrom the University of Massachusetts Boston and Dr.Michael Hardman and Jayne Maguire from theUniversity of Utah served as investigators.Additionally, Special Olympics conducts an annualreview of athlete participation <strong>through</strong>out its globalmovement. This standardized measurement effort helpstrack progress against Special Olympics’ global growthstrategy to reach 2 million athletes by the end of 2005.Progress toward this goal for 2004 was determinedrecently <strong>through</strong> the 2004 Athlete Participation Survey.Percent %Years of Athlete Involvementin Special Olympics40353025201510The study of Special Olympics’ impact on U.S.athletes indicates that:• People with intellectual disabilities most typically cometo Special Olympics during childhood and participatefor more than a decade.• There is a successful partnership between SpecialOlympics and schools. More than two-thirds of U.S.athletes join Special Olympics <strong>through</strong> a schoolbasedprogram.While Special Olympics has not relied exclusively onschools as a basis of outreach to athletes, the wellestablishedrelationship between community schoolsand community Special Olympics Programs reflects asound and efficient program model.055 yearsor less6–10years11–20years21 yearsor moreMore than half (52 percent) of adult Special Olympicsathletes in the United States are employed, half of thosein competitive employment. While reliable data about theemployment status of the general population of adults withintellectual disabilities are hard to come by, values as lowas 10 percent have been cited. This suggests a strongrelationship between Special Olympics participation andthe ability to be employed.Who are Special Olympics athletes?By definition and requirements, Special Olympics athletes areindividuals with an intellectual disability that is manifest beforeage 18 which renders the individual challenged in at least twoareas of daily functioning. The causes of the intellectual disabilityin athletes are quite varied. Athletes who participate fully inSpecial Olympics must be at least 8 years of age and there areno upper age limits. Athletes must be certified as medicallyqualified to join Special Olympics and, in the case of minors andnon-emancipated adults, have consent of parents or guardians.In addition to intellectual disability, athletes also may have one ormore additional disabilities (e.g., hearing or vision impairments,spina bifida).“When given theopportunity, SpecialOlympics athletes canspeak for themselvesand provide us withvaluable insight intotheir <strong>lives</strong>.”—Dr. Gary Siperstein, Ph.D.,Principal Investigator2

Initial Involvement in Special Olympics*School-Based Program 67%Community-Based Program 16%Group Home-Based Program 4%Workplace-Based Program 3%Independent/Other 10%*U.S. AthletesEmployment (Over 18)Sheltered Workshop 28%Business in Community 24%Total Employment 52%Special Olympics athletes are likeathletes everywhere• Similar to other athletes, Special Olympics athletesenjoy the social experiences that accompanyparticipation in <strong>sport</strong>s training and competition.Teammates provide an important and valuablesource of friendship, with more than half of theathletes socializing with teammates outside ofSpecial Olympics.• Similar to other athletes, Special Olympics athletesare motivated to participate by their enjoyment of<strong>sport</strong>s and by the competition Special Olympicsprovides. In an athlete’s own words, “I like to proveto myself that I can do it.”Similar to other athletes, Special Olympics athletes areserious about their <strong>sport</strong>s. They take an athlete oathand have led efforts to establish a coaches’ oath. Theyare not seeking sympathy or even special treatment.They have a love of <strong>sport</strong> and training and appreciatedevelopment of personal <strong>sport</strong>s skills; however, theystate clearly and consistently that the greatest rewardsthey experience are from the enjoyment of <strong>sport</strong>s, thesocial opportunities provided and the chance to makefriends on and off the field.Athletes’ Motives for ParticipationMost Often Mentioned Athlete Family(N=579) (N=1307)Fun/Enjoyment 97% 94%Social Aspects 96% 88%Winning/Competition 95% 85%“During the 2003 SpecialOlympics World Summer Gamesin Dublin, Ireland, 38 individualathletes’ performances wouldhave bettered performances byathletes in the 2004 InternationalSummer Olympics in Athens.”The rationales for participation are similar to otherathletes at various levels and in various programs.Even those who leave Special Olympics due to lifechanges overwhelmingly express their satisfactionwith their Special Olympics experience and wouldbe willing to reestablish their participation ifcircumstances permitted.• Participation in Special Olympics spurs activity andpursuit of physical fitness as a lifestyle choice. Morethan half of the athlete respondents <strong>report</strong>ed three ormore hours of physical activity per week in addition totheir participation in Special Olympics.3

Special Olympics provides opportunities foradvancement and new experiences• Throughout their careers, Special Olympics athletestake advantage of the variety of individual and team<strong>sport</strong>s offered <strong>through</strong> the organization and participatein multiple <strong>sport</strong>s — from track and field to bowling,basketball and softball.• When participating in Special Olympics, athletes havethe opportunity to compete not only in their communityGames, but also can advance to regional, state,national and even worldwide competitions. In fact,more than half of U.S. Special Olympics athletesadvance beyond their local competitions to compete atthe regional and state level.It is typical for athletes, whether in Special Olympics orotherwise, to seek to reach both personal and teamgoals. Special Olympics athletes typically participate inseveral <strong>sport</strong>s at any stage of their athletic careers andoften diversify their <strong>sport</strong>s experience over time. Thispresents many choices and opportunities. Choice andopportunity are things most people cherish, but thatpeople with intellectual disabilities have generally beendenied in their <strong>lives</strong>. Additionally, in Special Olympics,athletes are encouraged and enabled to lead with theirideas and voices, <strong>through</strong> participating on boards andcommittees, working in Special Olympics Programs orserving as coaches, officials or in other volunteer roles.Special Olympics provides quality programming<strong>through</strong> qualified staff• The quality of the Special Olympics experience forathletes largely can be attributed to the experienceand knowledge of coaches. Almost all coaches (95percent) have received Special Olympics <strong>sport</strong>straining and 85 percent have had training in the areaof disabilities. Most coaches (70 percent) also haveparticipated in competitive <strong>sport</strong>s at some time intheir <strong>lives</strong>, with one in four having competed at thecollege level.Coaches’ Training in Sports DisabilitiesTraining in CoachingGeneral Special Olympics Orientation 95%Special Olympics Sports-Specific Training 93%Unified Sports ® Training 42%Non-Special Olympics Workshops 85%College Courses 52%• Coaches in Special Olympics know their athletes andtheir motivations for participating. Coaches (76 percent)share athletes’ and families’ goals for participation,such as improved sense of self and more positivesocial experiences.• Coaches observed improvement in many areas fortheir athletes, most evidently in the areas of self-esteemand self-confidence, followed by improvement in <strong>sport</strong>skills. Coaches’ responses also confirmed families’perceptions of improvement and athletes’ reasonsfor participation.Percent %100908070605040302010Coaches’ Perceptionsof Athlete ImprovementFrequencyself-esteem/ social friendship health <strong>sport</strong>s skillsself confidence skillsNo ImprovementA Lot of ImprovementA Little Improvement4

What impacts does Special Olympics have onathletes and families?• The benefits of participation in Special Olympicsare substantial for its athletes. There is anoverwhelming consensus among athletes,coaches and family members that there is significantimprovement in athletes’ sense of self, social skillsand social interactions due to their participation inSpecial Olympics.• Families of athletes with intellectual disabilities wantthe same things for their children as do other families.Parents hope that by participating in <strong>sport</strong>s theirchildren feel good about themselves and develop astrong sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.They also see health benefits that are critical giventhe unmet health needs of this population.Percent %100908070605040302010Family Perceptionsof Athlete Improvementself-esteem/ social friendship health <strong>sport</strong>s skillsself confidence skillsNo ImprovementA Little ImprovementSpecial Olympics works toward providing lifelong <strong>sport</strong>sexperience for its participants. As an organization, itcontinues to shape itself according to the changingdevelopmental needs of its athletes as they transition<strong>through</strong> childhood, adolescence and adulthood (forexample, a Young Athletes program for individualsages 2–7 currently is being pilot tested).Special Olympics continues to work at bringing thepositive experiences it has offered to individuals withintellectual disabilities in the United States to those<strong>through</strong>out the world who otherwise would not be giventhese same opportunities. Special Olympics plans onextending the study of its impact on athletes beyondthe United States to Europe and China during 2005–2006.Policy ImplicationsDemonstrating the positive impacts of any program onits intended beneficiaries, while also expanding serviceto more and more people, are hallmarks of effectiveprogramming. In the Special Olympics Impact Survey,we see that Special Olympics has enabled athletes tonot only train for <strong>sport</strong>ing events, but also train for life.The fact that service expansions are taking place mostrapidly outside the United States means that someof the neediest populations in the world are nowbeing reached.Through their voices, U.S. Special Olympics athleteshave provided Special Olympics with a very positive<strong>report</strong> <strong>card</strong> on the impact that Special Olympics has ontheir <strong>lives</strong>. Combined with insights from family membersand coaches, this represents a very strong validation ofSpecial Olympics as a service provider and amovement. As proven by the execution of this study,research conducted with direct input of people withintellectual disabilities is both possible and informative.A Lot of Improvement5

The evidence from the Special Olympics Impact Studyclearly illustrates that Special Olympics enables peoplewith intellectual disabilities to demonstrate and experience<strong>sport</strong>s competence and suggests that gains in selfconfidence,self-esteem, employment and socializationcan carry beyond Special Olympics.In 2004, Special Olympics served more than 1.73 millionathletes in 150 countries (and all U.S. states). This reflectsmore than 76 percent growth over a four-year-period,notwithstanding the significant challenges created forprofit and nonprofit organizations post “9–11.” However,given <strong>report</strong>ed estimates of as high as 6 million peoplewith ID in the United States and the fact that the benefitsrealized <strong>through</strong> Special Olympics have reached only512,804 people with ID in that country, much more canbe done. Globally, up to 170 million people are <strong>report</strong>edto have intellectual disabilities.For the benefits of Special Olympics to be sustained andfurther extended, additional support will be required frommultiple sources, including government and the privatesector, as well as organizations. Special Olympicsopportunities can only grow if resources permit, includingan adequate supply of coaches and volunteers.In its continuing efforts to grow Special Olympics globally,Special Olympics is committed to assuring the qualityand consistency of its programs and the satisfaction of itscustomers (athletes, families) and its key volunteers,including coaches.ReferencesFarrell, R. J., Crocker, P. R. E., McDonough, M. H., &Sedgwick, W. A. (2004). The driving force: Motivation inSpecial Olympians. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly,21(2), 153–166.Gill, D. L., Gross, J. B., & Huddleston, S. (1983).Participation motivation in youth <strong>sport</strong>s. InternationalJournal of Sport Psychology, 14, 1–14.Gould, D., Feltz, D., & Weiss, M. (1985). Motivesfor participating in competitive youth swimming.International Journal of Sport Psychology, 16(2),126–140.Shapiro, D. R. (2003). Participation motives of SpecialOlympics athletes. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly,20(2), 150–166.Siperstein G.N., M.L.: National Evaluation of the SpecialOlympics Unified Sports Program (Study Commissionedby Special Olympics). Washington, D.C. December 2001.U.S.D.H.H.S. Closing the Gap: A National Blueprint toImprove the Health of Persons with Mental Retardation.National Institutes of Health, Bethesda. February 2002.Corbin S.B., Malina K, Shepherd S. Special OlympicsWorld Summer Games 2003 — Healthy AthletesScreening Data. Washington, D.C. Special Olympics,Inc. February 2005.President’s Committee for People with IntellectualDisabilities. A Charge we have to Keep. Washington,D.C. 2004.© 2005 Special Olympics, Inc.www.specialolympics.org 6