Special Olympics

Video Produced by Blank Stage Productions
http://www.blankstageproductions.com

Since January of 2006, Special Olympics Forsyth (SO Forsyth) has increased its participation in state games by adding certified coaches in the areas of basketball skills and teams, powerlifting, tennis, table tennis, bowling, bocce, softball skills, track and field, and aquatics. This has allowed us to greatly increase the number of athletes that we send to state and area games as well as increase their participation in after school sports activities. Even more exciting, we have increased the number of SO Forsyth adult athletes. This is very important to us as we strive to encourage life long health habits and provide opportunities to gain new friendships among our adult population with developmental disabilities. Without adapted sports and Special Olympics Programs, our young and adult athletes have very limited access to typical sporting events and social activities. We will continue to ensure Special Olympics Forsyth is a recognized sporting program with numerous sporting activities offered throughout the year for all athletes with developmental disabilities.

Special Olympics is well known for its ability to promote self-awareness and bring joy among its athletes who participate. Even more, Special Olympics provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to participate in leisure activities which are often taken for granted by the average person. Research has shown that the more students participate in Special Olympics, the more likely they are to participate in leisure activities beyond high school. Parents of adults with disabilities often share the frustration and heartache of watching their adult child disengage from the community as their opportunities to participate in community activities and sporting events decline. By increasing the number of activities and sporting events provided to individuals with developmental disabilities, we are encouraging community participation and a sense of belonging and self-worth.