HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.016 1996-1998 ~~i~~i
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RECFJVED ~I
ifine..-~ By
Special Olympics ~---------=j
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International
SPECIAL OLYMPICS IMPROVES SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO NEW YALE STUDY
For Immediate Release: Contact: Mike Janes 202/824-0305
1 IAM, Monday, June 12 Amy Hyland 202/778-1260
Cynthia Atwood 203/432-1326
New Haven, Conn., June 12 Special Olympics athletes perform better at school, at work and at
home the longer they participate in the program, according to a study by mental retazdation
experts at Yale University to be published in an upcoming edition of the Journal of America
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The study measured such social competency skills
as the ability to live independently, hold a job, participate in community activities and develop
close friendships.
Released on the eve of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games, the Yale study is the first
scientific study to focus on the social and emotional goals of the Special Olympics program
rather than physical fitness and sports achievement. The study compared athletes who actively
competed in Special Olympics games against a control group of people with mental retazdation
who were not involved in the program. The reseazchers discovered that the length of time spent
in Special Olympics is the greatest predictor of increased social competence better than I.Q. or
age among study participants, who were randomly selected U.S. Special Olympics competitors
in the Special Olympics World Games in Salzburg, Austria in 1993.
"This study offers new insight on how Special Olympics provides an opportunity for athletes to
develop their social growth," said Elisabeth M. Dykens, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Yale
Child Study Center, who conducted the study with the center's director, Donald J. Cohen, M.D.
"Furthermore, the results of this study show that, in addition to the real physical benefits of
Special Olympics, the program offers a vehicle for social integration and accomplishment among
its active participants."
"The study conducted by Yale is very significant because it reflects something I have believed
for a long time that Special Olympics provides an opportunity to do more than build athletic
ability. At the same time, it substantially improves the athletes' relationships with their families,
their co-workers and everyone they come in contact with," said Sazgent Shriver, Chairman and
CEO of Special Olympics International.
"For parents who aze looking for ways to enhance their children's development growth, this
study suggests that athletes who participate in Special Olympics acquire important skills that can
help them gain employment, maintain relationships, function independently, and contribute to
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1325 G STRHET, NW I SUITE 500 / WASNI~'GTO N. DC USA 20005-3104 / PHONE: 202.fi283630 / FAX: 202.824.0200 / 'I'GIFX. fi50284.1739 MCI
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.
June 12, 1995
Page 3
Note to Editors:
Elisabeth Dykens received her Ph.D. degree in psychology from the University of Kansas and
was a clinical staff director at the Riverview State Hospital for Children and Youth in
Middletown, Connecticut before joining the Yale faculty in 1987. Donald J. Cohen, M.D. is the
Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Psychology at Yale and is also
Director of the Yale Child Study Center. For interviews, contact Professor Dykens at 203/432-
2353 or Dr. Cohen at 203/785-5759.
Also available from the Yale Office of Public Affairs is a news release about a Special Olympics
study comparing the opinions of parents of athletes to those of mental retardation experts
regarding the benefit of Special Olympics participation.
THE CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY
Reprbtetl wNh pertnlenbn o1The Chronble of Phiknlhropy The Newspaper of the Non-Profk World Vol. VII, No. 5 • Decamear 13, 1884 • $4
The Charities Americans Like Most-and Least
By VtNCESTEHLE
AMEwcnras AItE canzv about MADD. • Many organizations that drew significant
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is ~ ~ • - opposition also had strong support. For ex-
themost popular nonprofit cause in ample, 36 percent supported the N.R.A. and
the United States, well liked by 51 percent of i. Special Olympics 73.09 28 percent backed the Billy Graham Evange-
Americans, according to a Chronicle poll. listic Association, the two groups that had the
Ronald McDonald Houses, which helps 2. Girl Scou 64.6 most opponents. Neither group responded to
pazen[s of seriously ill children, are close be- The Chronicle's inquiries regarding the sur-
hind, rating high with 50 percent of [he re- 3. Mothers Again vey results.
sponden[s. Next aze the American Red Cross Driving 64.0 • An organization's integrity had a big in-
(48percent), the Salvation Army (47 percent), fluence on whether it won favor. The Billy
and the American Hear[ Association (45 4. Boy Scouts 63.7 Graham organization was not only [he most
percent). unpopulaz group but also first among those
The groups that drew the most opposition: 5. Ronald McDonald House 63.1 that Americans said lacked credibility. The
the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association American Civil Liberties Union and the Na-
and the National Rifle Association, each of 6. Salvation Army 60.9 tionalRifleAssociationwerenextontheleast-
which had negative ratings from 32 percent credible list.
of the people polled. 7. American Cancer Society 60.3 The poll results were based on responses
The Chronicle survey was conducted by 8. Shriners Hospitals for from 1,479 people and have a sampling error
Nye Lavalle & Associates, a Dallas market- Crippled Children 59.7 of about 2 percentage points. Respondents
ing cbmpany, were asked to rank 96 organizations and
Among the key findings: g, American Heart Association 59.6 causes on several scales designed to show
• Health charities were a favorite of Ameri- emotional and financial commitment.
cans. Nine of the 20 best-liked charities fo- 10. American Red Cross 56.9
cus on disease prevention and other Views of Men and Women
health issues. 11. American Association The survey found that men and women had
• Americans were sharpy divided about of Retired Persons 53.0 sitnilazviewsaboutwhichchazi[iestheyliked
United Ways. They ranked 19th among the [he most. The American Red Cross and
best-liked groups and 7th among [hose that 12. Camp Fire Boys and Girls 51.1 Ronald McDonald Houses were among the
people opposed. most popular charities for both men and
Special Olympics, which promotes ath- 13. Public broadcasting 49.1 women. But the top preference was different
X letic competition for the disabled, was for each sex. Men favored the Salvation Army,
widely viewed as the most credible char- 14. Humane society 48.8 while women preferred Mothers Against
ity. Seventy-three percent of Americans Drunk Driving.
rated the organization very honest or ex- 15. American Diabetes Race and ethnicity also influenced prefer-
tremelyhonest.Itfaroutpacedthesecond- Association 48.4 ences. The two [op-ranking organizations
place organization, the Girl Scouts-rated among blacks were the United Negro College
credible by 65 percent. 16. Goodwill Industries 48.0 Fund and the N.A.A.C.P., while Hispanics
The Salvation Army is the charity to which ranked the American Red Cross as No. 1 and
Americans said they contributed most often, 17. Society for the Prevention whites chose the Ronald McDonald Houses.
of Cruelty to Animals 47.4
followed by the American Cancer Society and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, however,
[he Red Cross. While MADD was the best- 18. Reading Is Fundamental 45.9 was among the top three for blacks, Hispan-
likedcharity, i[was only No. 13 among groups ics, and whites.
[o which people said they give regularly. 19. Children's Television
• The National Association for the Ad- yyorkshop 45.3 Racial and Religious Tensions
vancemen[ of Colored People topped the list Racia] and religious tensions spilled into
or organizations that people said they had 20. March of Dimes Birth the ratings of charity popularity, as did divi-
never supported financially. It was followed Defects Foundation 45.0 sions over such issues as abortion, gun con-
by the American Civil Liberties Union and trol,theenvironmen[,andAIDS.Groupsthat
the Billy Graham group. souRCE: Nye Layane s Associates continued next page
tackle such matters ranked high among taus private donors. lames. "You will have people who aze not
that were mo posed, were considered leas. At the Anti-Defamation League of B' nai anti-Semitic, but who have a negative attitude
credibl to which people said they would B'rith, a Jewish educational and advocacy toward Israel, who oppose these groups; 'said
nev ate. group, representatives said they were not sur- Mr. Jacobson.
e o advocacy group is
black Special Olympics, which promotes athletic competition for e. "The Anti-Defa-
p that takes very
The Billy am the disabled, was widely viewed as the most credible rsia, issues, and, by
received some of th land, you're going
charities that were ' charity. Seventy-three percent of Americans rated the or- lvir. Jacobson Baia.
was No. 1 on the r ganization very honest or extremely honest. It far outpaced Broadcasting Net-
eredleast credible, vey, which ranked
people said they the second-place organization, the Girl Scouts-rated elevision ministry,
among charities th credible by 65 percent. st opposed cause.
supported financial] k with what we find
ings did no[ neces a Kapp,vice-presi-
problems, however The Billy Graham orga- dentof public relations for the network, which
nization raised $69.7 million last yeaz, plat- `Negative Attitude' raised $92 million last year, placing it 52nd
ing it No. 80 on [he Philanthropy 400, The In addition [o anti-Semitism, other factors in [he Philanthropy 400.
Chronicle's annual compilation of the chari- may have led some people to oppose groups
ties [hat raise the most money from with the words"Jewish"and"Israel"in their
1. American Heart Association 80.9 % 1. Mothers Against Drunk 1. Salvation Army 27.7
Driving 51.0
2. Mothers Against Drunk 2. American Cancer Society 26.3
Driving 79.7 2. Ronald McDonald House 49.8
3. American Red Cross 23.7
3. Salvation Army 79.2 3. Amedcan Red Cross 48.0
4. Goodwill Industries 23.5
4. American Cancer Society 78.2 4. Salvation Army 47.1
5. Girl Scouts 22.2
5. Gid Scouts 78.1 5. American Heart Association 45.1
6. United Way 21.6
6. Ronald McDonald House 77.6 6. Humane society 42.0
7. American Heart Association 21.1
7. Boy Scouts 77.4 7. Boy Scouts 41.7
8. Boy Scouts 20.2
8. American Retl Cross 76.1 8. Girl Scouts 40.9
9. Special Olympics 18.1
9. March of Dimes Birth 9. Shriners Hospitals for
Defects Foundation 74.5 Cdppled Children 40.4 10. March of Dimes Birth
Defects Foundation 17.3
X 10. Special Olympics 73.4 10. American Cancer Society 38.4
11. Ronald McDonald House 16.9
11. Muscular Dystrophy 11. Public broadcasting 38.2
Association 72.4 12. Society for the Prevention
12. Amedcan Association of Cruelty to Animals 15.4
12. American Diabetes of Retired Persons 38.1
Association 72.3 13. Mothers Against Drunk
13. Special Olympics 37.8 Driving 15.1
13. Humane society 72.3
14. March of Dimes Birth 14. Humane society 13.6
14. Goodwill Industries 72.0 Defects Foundation 37.7
15. Muscular Dystrophy
15. American Lung Association 70.8 15. Amedan Lung Association 36.0 Association 13.3
16. Amedcan Association 16. Muscular Dystrophy 16. Amedcan Lung Association 13.1
of Retired Persons 70.2 Association 34.4
17. Public broadcasting 12.7
17. Public broadcasting 69.2 17. Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals 33.8 19. Shriners Hospitals for
18. Shriners Hospitals for Cdppled Children 12.2
Crippled Children 69.2 16. American Diabetes
Association 33.8 19. American Diabetes
19. American Foundation for Association 11.7
the Blind 68.7 19. United Way 33.2
20. AIDS research 11.3
20. Multiple Sclerosis SocieTy 66.8 20. Goodwill Industries 32.1
SOI 12/91
. U.~S. NEWS C~ WORLD REPORT NoveMBeR is, 1993
~ COVER STORY morons, imbeciles"-all terms of scien-
- tific precision used to classify different
The most lasting levels of retardation. One surgery text-
book recommended that "mongols"
(those with Down's syndrome) not be
given life-saving procedures because,
Kennedy legacy [he text implied, they were subhuman,
and some were allowed [o die.
Families like the Kennedys that kept
retarded family members at home as they
How Eunice Shriver and hey anvil ehan ed grew up were the objects of considerable
f y g scorn. Rosemary was born at the height
the world {or the mental] retarded of the worldwide flu epidemic in 1918
J y and, though no one was ever sure what
caused her relatively mild retardation, it
owen.m""" became a difficult fact of life by the time
, ~"1 she reached school age. Though the fam-
~ T _ ily tried to make things as normal as
possible for her, she fell far behind in the
~ hypercompeti[ive environment as she
got older. As she became a young wom-
F ~ ~ an, her problems grew and she began to
~ lash out violently on occasion.
The lobotomy. Eventually, Joseph
Kennedy was told that there was a "mir-
acle" surgical procedure called a pre-
frontal lobotomy [hat could help Rose-
mary. Without consulting anyone else in
the family, he ordered the operation in
- ` 1941 and i[ was botched. The surgery was
supposed [o leave her mental functions
relatively intact while eliminating her
aggressive behavior. Instead, it rendered
her zombielike and she was moved ro St.
Coletta's in Jefferson, Wis., where she
- still resides. Until Eunice's magazine ar-
ticle, the family told inquiring reporters
[hat she was in a convent.
Joseph Kennedy was. tormented by
the fate of his daughter. In 1946, he cre-
ated [he Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Founda-
tion (named after his deceased war-
hero son) to help retarded people, and
in the mid-1950s. he asked Eunice to
otlongafterJohnKennedy determine how the foundation's grams
entered the White House OCTOS[e 19fi PrcslAe°t 1(enneay mosses + could best be used. She traveled the na-
in 1961, his sister Eunice pQ" tO ~ sbter K°"A°~ ~~"Q` [ion talking to the small number of ex-
Kennedy Shriver began one of the s~PI"g n1B ~etl0" mat °h° "10re e°y01e perts willing to buck the forge[-'em
most heartfelt campaigns any Ken- aaR to ~ ~B °°"te~' philosophy and visiting the notorious
nedy ever undertook. She argued "snake pits" [hat housed most retarded
to family members that it would be im- of the biggest moments in perhaps the Americans. "There was a complete lack
mensely helpful if they revealed one of most important contribution the Kenne- of interest in them and lack of know]-
their most closely guarded secrets: that dys made to the nation. edge about their capacities," she says.
one of their own, [he president's sister What is stunning about the Kenne- "They were isolated because their fam-
Rosemary, was mentally retarded. It dys'-and most particularly EuniceShri- dies were embarrassed and the public
took more than a year to bring the idea ver's-role in changing the way [he was prejudiced."
to fruition, and it finally won sanction world treated mentally retarded people Not surprisingly, Eunice Shriver-the
after the clan's two central figures is how little noticed it has been. It is onefamilymemberwhocontinuedtocall
blessed it: Patriarch Joseph Kennedy difficult to recall today the life such peo- her big brother "Jack" after his elec-
made clear he could live with the disclo- plc faced in the generation before Ken- tion-hammered at the issue as JFK en-
sure as long as President Kennedy sup- nedy's administration. Scores of thou- tered [he presidency. He responded by
ported i[. In the spring of 1962, Eunice sands were warehoused in institutions settingupataskforceheadedbyeminent
[old JFK she wanted to write a piece for located in the most remote sites avail- educator Leonard Mayo to devise a legis-
the Saturday Evening Posr about Rose- able. That was especially true of women ]alive program [o attack mental retarda-
mary, and he responded: "That's fine. because i[ was thought to be important lion. The president named White House
Le[ me see it first." The article appeared to keep [hem from getting pregnant and
in the September 22 issue, and it was one creating another generation of "idiots, us.xews ~ wow.D xsroxr, NovrntaEx r6. rest
U.S. NEWS & WI..cLD REPORT •
RNpPEW PiVEn-RCf~.WE6PWP
j~ asked to work on [he fateful
_
~ _ ~ ~ - article through the summer.
--R ~ "Eunice ran rt like acam-
~I ~ paign." he says. "There was
a brain trust of experts at the
i ready, and she kept piling
- , boxes near me of material to
/ ytp ~ cram into the piece. Every-
- body was really nervous about
the piece. But she was deter-
mined to knock down all [he
competitor afflictions when it
••"'r- •`.--4; - came to getting government
~ '-t ~ ~ funding." In August, Gelman
~ ~rp~'1`. ~ watched as President Kenne-
dy speed-read through his
' yt _ ° - . ~ • copy, offered a few sugges-
- - _ ~ ` ~ [ions and gave hIS blessing.
~y A goal realized. As Eunice
Iwr~Jl~, 4 ~ . _ Shriver predicted, the change
. in public and scientific atti-
- , . tudes prompted by the article
_ --M1~`!"'• and the work of the presiden-
_
: '~,l^~ • • - . the next generation, the Kenr
- _ ~ ~ nedys' goal-to bring [he re-
_ _ tarded into the mainstream
_ of American life-has been
largely realized. Research
breakthroughs on the causes
of retardation and beneficial
educational programs have
Crusader. Shriver helped create the Special Olympics to bring the retarded into the mainstream. proliferated, thanks to the
funding tautiched in the Ken-
deputy special counsel Myer Feldman [o thought retardation was best addressed nedy administration. American life and
work with Eunice and the panel. as a genetic and prenatal problem, and [he lives of [he retarded have been incal-
Eunice Shriver was clearly the com- their "sofr" colleagues, who favored an culably enriched by the drive to bring
mander of [he administration effort. emphasis on education [o help improve [he retarded into full participation in
When her friend and panel member the lives of retarded people. She also communities, schools and workplaces.
Robert E. Cooke suggested the creation helped arrange the necessary support The spinoffs from these first efforts
of new university-affiliated research can- from congressional leaders, although are equally impressive. The family cam-
ters,she stuck it in [he final plan. She and that [ask was no[ very difficult: Most paign [o bring the retarded out of [he
Feldman helped broker disputes on the knew that the president cared deeply closet, including the Shrivers' creation
panel between the "hard" scientists, who about the issue. JFK even broke away of the widely hailed Special Olympics.
~P~aE~N~ from one of the emergency meet- was a precursor of the larger disability
ings on the Cuban missile crisis on rights movement. And Sargent Shriver
'F• Oct. 15, 1962, to receive [he panel's says his inspiration to create [he much
report. (More than 70 percent of admired Head Start program for disad-
' its 112 recommendations were vantaged children came from his famil-
eventually implemented.) iarity with research [ha[ early-interven-
As political leaders began [o tion educational efforts could raise the
~ ~ change their thinking, Eunice felt IQs of [he retarded.
the public still lagged behind. She When the full judgment of the Ken-
and her husband, Sargent Shriver, nedy legacy is made-including JFK's
persuaded the Advertising Coun- Peace Corps and Alliance for Progress,
cil to devise newspaper anti maga- Robert Kennedy's passion for civil
zine ads in early 1962. Bu[ she rights and Ted Kennedy's efforts on
thought the single most powerful health care, workplace reform and refu-
act tocapture public attention was gees-the changes wrought by Eunice
[he revelation about Rosemary. Shriver may well he seen as the most
Journalist David Gelman was conseyuential. With a lot of help from
her very powerful brother Jack and in-
A~1lLL1fi{FasleeeedMri+aiar spiration from her powerless sister
fiiad ~ YwLde per, l~l M Rosemary, Eunice Shriver helped move
~p~, g¦ n was the nation for good and for all. ¦
Rorei.ery b kwp W ~Itli ike otliaES.
BY HnRRISON RA[NIk: WITH KATIA HE7-FER
US.NEws & WORLD REPORT. NOVEMBER 15.1993 47
i '
~ ~
b~.
`~be Special Olgmpics friission
Zhe mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and
athletic competition in a varietg of Olympic-type sports for all children and
a0ults roith mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop
phgsical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the
sharing of gifts, skills and frienDship with their families, other Special Olympics
athletes and the community.
Special Olympics, created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, authorized and accredited by Special Olympics
International for the benefit of citizens with mental retardation.
HAWAII SPECIAL OLYMPICS
~~1~
The Hawaii Special Olympics program serves Hearty Special Olympics coaches can and do spend
2,000 athletes, and is sustained by volunteer hours countless hours coaching during sport seasons. They
from more than 4,500 volunteers. Seventeen sports teach skills, arrange practices, take care of equipment
are offered throughout the year to children and adults and uniforms. Through their coaching experience they
with mental retardation five years of age and older. act as role models, teachers, counselors and
Competitions are based on ability level, age, and sex. advocates.
Emphasis is placed on the experience of training and Coaches take their job seriously. In addition to all
competing in a sport, rather than winning. For the time they spend coaching, many coaches take the
individuals with severe and profound limitations, time to attend coaches trainings and clinics to upgrade
Special Olympics also offers a program whose their skills. Special Olympics offers a full schedule of
emphasis is on training and participation, rather than trainings for coaches throughout the year. The
on competition, called the Motor Activities Training Coaches Certification Course is an introductory, spore
Program. In Special Olympics, everyone is a winner! specific skills instructional course designed for
The Hawaii Special Olympics program is totally volunteers, family members and professionals who
supported by individual, organization, business, train Special Olympics athletes. The course includes a
corporate and foundation funding. We receive no hands on session working with Special Olympics
funding from the federal government, the Kennedy athletes on fundamental skill instruction.
Foundation, nor the Aloha United Way. By holding Principles of Coaching is a classroom course that
staff to a minimum, all available funds go into addresses the fundamentals of coaching and offers
maintaining, strengthening, and enlarging the program training in preparing athletes for competition, coaching
for our athletes. philosophy, preventative safety measures, fitness and
AREA PROGRAMS conditioning, planning and coaching administration.
Coaches who complete either of these courses are
Hawaii Special Olympics' grass roots are founded in eligible for Special Olympics coaching certification.
the ten area programs managed by the Area Directors After attending the one day training and a Special
and their many volunteer area committee members. Olympics general session, aten-hour practicum is the
From almost every island throughout the state, from last requirement needed for certification.
schools, workshops, group homes, living facilities, Hawaii Special Olympics currently has 300 certified
parks districts and many other agencies, Special coaches throughout the state of Hawaii.
Olympians join together to train and become better
athletes and more fulfilled citizens. Thousands of
community volunteers donate their time and energy to
assist athletes in sports training and competition.
Others provide funds and additional services to make
the area programs possible. Area involvement, from
athletes to volunteers, to donors and committee
members, is the foundation of Hawaii Special
Olympics.
COACHES ~ ( _
It is the goal of Special Olympics for each athlete to
perform at his or her highest potential. To reach this
goal, athletes spend hours training, trying to perfect
the skills in their chosen sport. It is the volunteer
5*
coaches who provide these athletes with direction and
guidance. ~ ~ '
~
~a SPECIAL OLYMPICS
BACKGROUND
Twenty-eight years ago, the first Special Olympics competition took place at
Soldier Field in Chicago. But before that, in the early 1960's, the concept of
sports training for people with mental retardation was explored by Eunice
Kennedy Shriver at a day camp on her estate. She believed that persons with
mental retardation were more capable in sports and physical activities than
many experts believed, and that IQ could be raised-and slie was right!
Today, Special Olympic sports training and competition for children and
adults exist in each state of the United States, and in more than 130 countries
worldwide. More than one million athletes with mental retardation participate
in 22 sports. Nearly one million volunteers support the program.
STRUCTURE
Special Olympics International (SOI) is the international governing body of
Special Olympics. In the United States, each state program is the responsibility
of the board of directors and the executive director. Area programs are run by
an area director with the assistance of area committees. Athletes training and
competing initially enter the program in the island or city where they live. All
Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOAL
To help bring all persons with mental retardation into the larger society
under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given a chance to
become productive citizens.
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Actor Pal Morita filmed a public service announammt with athletes for a First Hawaiian Bank Winfer Classic promotion.
~-%~~y~~~ HAWAII SPECIAL OLYMPICS
VOLUNTEERS
More than 4,500 volunteers enable Hawaii Special Olympics to offer sports training
and competition to 2,000 children and adults with mental retardation. Special
Olympics would not exist without the countless hours, limitless energy and
tremendous dedication and commitment of our volunteers.
Volunteer roles are many: coaches, officials, board members, fundraisers, games
coordinators, area committee members, timers, scorekeepers, etc.
Everything we are able to accomplish is because of volunteers. As the program
grows, so does the need for volunteers.
To become a volunteer for Hawaii Special Olympics, call our slate office at 531-
1888.
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FAMILIES
Special Olympics is sports and fun for family members. Having a child with special
needs can make everyday life within the family challenging. Special Olympics provides
families the opportunity to be part of a year-round sports training and competition
program, providing the entire family with opportunities for sports and fun.
Family involvement is vital to Special Olympics because families are Special
Olympics' most powerful resource. Families help coach, transport, officiate, chaperone
and train other volunteers.
Special Olympics also provides family members with opportunities to share in
accomplishments of their athlete. Family members share joy and network with other
Special Olympics family members. Involvement in Special Olympics results in
extended family relationships centered around mutual activities.
Whether it is participating together in the Special Olympics Family Home Training
Program or cheering the athlete on at Special Olympics competitions, families enjoy
spending quality time together in Special Olympics.
Hawaii Special Olympics continues to see family involvement as a priority.
~-%~~y~~~ SPECIAL EVENTS
~~rl~
Yale Study Shows Special Olympics' Benefits
ATHLETES' PERFORMANCE IN WORK, SCHOOL AND SOCIAL SETTINGS HIGHER
Special Olympics athletes perform better at school, at Special Olympics, the program offers a vehicle for social
work and at home, the longer they participate in the integration and accomplishment among its active
program, according to a study by mental retardation experts participants;' Dykens said.
at Yale University. The report will be published in an "For parents who are looking (or ways to enhance their
upcoming edition of the /ournal of America Academy of children's development growth, this study suggests that
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. athletes who participate in Special Olympics acquire
The study measured such social competency skills as the important skills that can help them gain employment,
ability to live independently, hold a job, participate in maintain relationships, function independently and
community activities and develop close friendships. contribute to community life," said Eunice Kennedy Shriver,
Released just prior to the 1995 Special Olympics World honorary chairman of Special Olympics International.
Games, the Yale study is the firs) "It may be Ihal improved
scientific study to focus on the sncial compr•ICnce is associated
social and emotional goals of the with the sustained support and
Special Olympics Program rather encouragement of Special
than physical fitness and sports Olympics coaches or of families
achievement. who are committed to the
The study compared athletes - program," Dykens said. "Or, it
who actively competed in Special t could be related to multiple
Olympics games against a successes that form the fabric of
control group of people with the program, or the athlete's
mental retardation who were not pleasurable routine of playing
sports and socializing with
involved in the program. The others."
researchers discovered that the ;
length of time spent in Special ~~"1d Fifty-four male and' female
Olympics is the greatest ~ athletes participated in the 1993
predictor of increased social ~ study, ranging in age from nine
competence-better than IQ or to 37, with a mean age of nearly
age-among randomly selected 23. On average, study
study partidpants. participants had been involved in
"this study offers new insight Special Olympics games (or nine
on how Special Olympics ~ years, with some participating for
provides an opportunity for as little as one year or as much as
athletes to develop their social ~ 22 years.
growth,' said Elisabeth M. ~ Participants' IQ scores ranged
Dykens, Ph.D., assistant professor from 40 to 78, with a mean IQ of
at the Yale Child Study Center, 59. Yale scientists also disclosed
who conducted the study with that social benefits of Special
thecentefsdirector. Olympics participation occur
'Furthermore, the results of regardless of age and IQ, and do
this study show that, in addition not appear to diminish over time.
to the real physical benefits of
"THE MOST CREDIBLE CHARITY IN AMERICA"
Pardon us for bragging a little, but the most honest charity in the United without an unwavering and deep
we thought you would like to hear States. belief in sportsmanship and sharing.
some good news about Special Naturally, we're delighted. Over the And millions of individuals with mental
Olympics. In a poll conducted by The past 27 years, Special Olympics has retardation could never have revealed
Chronicle of Philanthropy, Special grown to be the world's largest their talents to the world without the
Olympics was rated by the public as program of sports training and athletic generosity of friends like you. This
the most credible charitable cause in competition for children and adults unique partnership is what makes
America. Seventy-three percent of with mental retardation. This could Special Olympics so credible. Thank
Americans rated Special Olympics as never have been accomplished you for your support...and your trust.
o~y~~ FACTS ABOUT MENTAL RETARDATION
~1~
Mental retardation refers to the presence in an prevalence of mental retardation
individual of both significantly subaverage intellectual by continent
functioning and marked impairment in adaptive
behavior. The following numbers are estimates based AFRICA (10`%) 51,000,000
on information from experts in the field of mental ASIA ( 8%) 220,000,000
retardation. AUSTRALIA ( 2%) 300,000
- Three hundred million individuals in the world have EUROPE ( 2%) 14,000,000
mental retardation LATIN AMERICA ( 8`%) 34,000,000
• Seven million individuals in the U.S. have mental (including Mexico)
retardation NORTH AMERICA 7,500,000
• 100,000 babies are born in the U.S. each year with U.S. ( 3`%) 7,000,000
mental retardation CANADA ( 2°/>) 500,000
In the United States, mental retardation is:
• Seven times more prevalent than blindness
• Seven times more prevalent than deafness
• Ten times more prevalent than physical disability
.r.~..
• Twelve times more prevalent than cerebral palsy
s, a.
• Fifteen times more prevalent than total blindness
l
• Thirty-five times more prevalent than muscular
dystrophy
.i:
,t 1, ` ~ , ~ • •
Eligibility ~ ~ _
• ~ it . i'~„
.~sxs r T
How does an athlete become involved in Special ~ ; ~,t,:~,._ ~ .A
Olympics? To enroll, an athlete or family member can , kr+."y' I ` ~
contact the Special Olympics state office or their local
i,
area director to receive an athlete enrollment kit. . ~ I '
The area director can assist any athlete in ' ~ ~~i ,
completing the enrollment process and help the ~ 'r
athlete to choose a training program.
Who can participate in Special Olympics? Any t. y
person over the age of five who has mental
retardation.
SOI ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT •l.nl eigniy nr 6elpw
I) Have been identified by an agency or professional +Significant kaming or vocational problems relers to thou kaming pro6kms resulting
from cognitive delays (intellrMUa1 impaimxnu. These do not include physical disabili y,
as having mental retardation or emotional w behavioral disabilities or language impairment. Yenons with cognitive
2) Have a cognitive delay as determined by delays vvererwmerly classified as Educable Mentally Retarded (EMR)or MildlyMmtally
Retarded (MMR).
standardized measures' or ++Specially designed instmcfiun re/ers to the time when person is receiving
3) Have significant learning or vocational problems supportive education or remedial insvuction directed at the cognitive delay. In the case
+ due to co nitive dela which re uire s eciall oradults, specially designed instruction is usually replaced with specially designed
g Y q P y programs in the workplace or in supported work or of home.
designed instruction + +
What Hawaii Special ~ /mpics has to offer:
Year-round sports training and competition in: Athletics (track & field); Aquatics;
Basketball, Bocce; Bowling; Unified Bowling®; Figure Skating; Speed Skating;
Powerlifting; Unified SoftballO; Soccer; Unified Soccerc~; Tee-Ball; Wheelchair and
Developmental Activities.
Instructional Guides
Sports Skills Instructional Program Guides (available in every sport offered), Motor
Activities Instructional Guides, Total Conditioning Manuals and Sports Skills videos are
available to all coaches and special education teachers and are available at no cost.
Program guides also are available at most public school libraries. Guides are illustrated
and include lesson plans and adaptive exercises.
In-Service Training
Instructional sessions are available through Sports Clinics, Leadership Workshops,
Educational Credit Courses, mini presentations and training sessions, classroom visits
and one-on-one consultations. Afull-day sport-specific clinic and practicum are
provided at no cost to those wishing to become accredited Special Olympics coaches.
Miscellaneous Support
Grant moneys, Partners ClubsO, Unified SportsO Programs, after-school sports
programs and family home-training programs also are available through HSO. We also
provide the most up-to-date information on physical fitness programs offered to
individuals with mental retardation.
Annual Competitions
January State Winter Classic held at Hickam Air Force Base (Ice Skating, Bowling,
Basketball.)
March Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Regional Aquatics Toumament
April Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Regional Unified Softball®
Tournament
May State Summer Games held at University of Hawaii (Athletics, Aquatics,
Powerlifting, Softball, Tee-Ball and Wheelchair events.)
August Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Regional Soccer Tournament
Aukake Classic (Bocce and Soccer)
October Leadership Conference
November Area Bowling and Basketball Tournaments
December Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Regional Basketball Tournament
Annual Chapter Events and Fund-raisers
April-May Bankoh Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run
June Tip-A-Cop at Ward Centre
August Dr. Sanford Kamezawa's Golf Tournament
September Aloha Plane Pull at Hickam Air Force Base
October Goblin Insurance sales by Honolulu Cellular
HSMA Fund-raiser
December Proctor & Gamble Campaign
Honolulu Advertiser Jingle Bell Run
Mayor's Walk
Hawaii Special Olympics Board of Directors, Staff and Area Directors
P.O. Box 3295, Honolulu, HI, 96801 Phone: 531-1888 Fax: 528-0881 hiso@juno.com
Officers of the Board Chapter Staff
Chuck Wall, Chairman Nancy Bottelo, Executive Director
Alan Yasue, Vice Chair Alison Heller, DevelopmentlPR Director
Stephen Street, Secretary Dan Epstein, Sports Director
Howard Karr, Treasurer Nip Ho, Area Services Director
Mike O'Brien, Past-Chair Darcy Boykin, Volunteer Coordinator
Tracy Ubongen, Office Manager
Board of Directors
Stephanie Ackerman Area Directors
Murray Bawden Nina Bogetto, Windward Oahu
Anne Casedona Olga Goo, Leeward Oahu
Meredith Ching Adrienne Laurion, Maui
Clint Churchill Laverne Legare, Molokai
Lois Hunter Tom Nelson, East Hawaii
Brigadier General Dwight Kealoha Christina Pilkington, Kauai
Tom Kiely Ti Recaido, West Hawaii
Pete Luke Sharon Schaper, Central Oahu
Barbara Petrus Michael Wells, Honolulu
James Schuler
Rodney Shinkawa
Dr. Susan Stewart
Mary Winpenny
Lucien Wong
Thomas Vining
Hugh Yoshida
"Let me zvin,
but if I cannot win,
Cet me 6e brave in the attempt. "
-Athlete Oath