COM 0193.016 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 12, 1995 Page 2 community life," said Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Honorary Chairman of Special Olympics International. Yale scientists plan to enter a new phase of their research when they evaluate top performing athletes whose achievements aze on a paz with other worldclass athletes during the 1995 Special Olympics Summer World Games, which aze being held in New Haven, Conn. from July 1-9. "It may be that improved social competence is associated with the sustained support and encouragement of Special Olympics coaches or of families who are committed to the program; ' Dr. Dykens noted. "Or it could be related to multiple successes that form the fabric of the program, or the athlete's pleasurable routine of playing sports and socializing with others. We hope our study at the 1995 World Games will help us identify those aspects that are most important." Fifty-four male and female athletes participated in the 1993 study, ranging in age from nine to 37, with a mean age of nearly 23. On average, study participants had been involved in Special Olympics games for nine years, with some participating for as little as one year or as much as 22 years. Participants I.Q. scores ranged from 40 to 78, with a mean I.Q. of 59. The data were adjusted to account for older athletes who had participated longer than younger ones. The Yale scientists also disclosed that, based on their 1993 research, social benefits of Special Olympics participation occur regazdless of age I.Q., and do not appear to diminish over time. Reseazch was conducted in three parts: the first study examined the behaviors of athletes relating to length of time in Special Olympics, the second study compazed U.S. team members to control groups ofnon-athletes, and the third study assessed U.S. team members just prior to the start of the Special Olympics World Games and then four months later revealing that the effects of Special Olympics remain stable over time and that the high pre-game scores were not a function of excitement for the event. Social competency measurements were obtained by interviews and questionnaires with parents and athletes. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round training and athletic competition in a variety ofwell-coached, Olympic-type sports for individuals with mental retazdation by providing them with continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the shazing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and their community.