The Special Olympics movement is active in 170 countries. Its mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) through sport. More than 4.2 millions special athletes of all ages are registered worldwide and over 34,000 in Canada, with more than 5,550 taking part in the recreational or competition programs offered throughout Québec. SOQ's network of annual competitions includes 80 events for all skill levels and in each of its 17 official sports.
In addition to programs specifically designed for people living with an intellectual disability, the Special Olympics movement encourages and facilitates their access to regular sports programs offered in their community in specific sports. It also has technical training and professional development opportunities for its members and volunteers.
Furthermore, the movement supports the establishment and development of local committees with the task of linking its activities and programs with those of existing sports clubs and associations in their communities. At the heart of our mission, the integration into society of athletes living with an intellectual disability is an increasingly topical issue. Special athletes take part in the Montreal Games, in the regional and provincial finals of the Québec Games and in the Canada Games.
Finally, SOQ provides tools and organizes promotional activities to raise public awareness of the benefits of sports in the development and inclusion of people of all ages living with an intellectual disability.
In addition to programs specifically designed for people living with an intellectual disability, the Special Olympics movement encourages and facilitates their access to regular sports programs offered in their community in specific sports. It also has technical training and professional development opportunities for its members and volunteers.
Furthermore, the movement supports the establishment and development of local committees with the task of linking its activities and programs with those of existing sports clubs and associations in their communities. At the heart of our mission, the integration into society of athletes living with an intellectual disability is an increasingly topical issue. Special athletes take part in the Montreal Games, in the regional and provincial finals of the Québec Games and in the Canada Games.
Finally, SOQ provides tools and organizes promotional activities to raise public awareness of the benefits of sports in the development and inclusion of people of all ages living with an intellectual disability.
Winter Sports
|
Summer Sports
|
Loretta Claiborne - TED Talk
Loretta Claiborne's story is remarkable — from Special Olympian to inspiring speaker and advocate for others. Her work has ranged from supporting people with disabilities to working to help end bullying. In 2000, Walt Disney Productions created The Loretta Claiborne Story. "I figured if my story could change a person's mind about another person, or especially a child's mind about another child, then it was the right thing to do," Claiborne says. Loretta is a world-class runner and gifted motivational speaker who happens to also be a Special Olympics Athlete and a person who has an intellectual disability.
Loretta Claiborne's story is remarkable — from Special Olympian to inspiring speaker and advocate for others. Her work has ranged from supporting people with disabilities to working to help end bullying. In 2000, Walt Disney Productions created The Loretta Claiborne Story. "I figured if my story could change a person's mind about another person, or especially a child's mind about another child, then it was the right thing to do," Claiborne says. Loretta is a world-class runner and gifted motivational speaker who happens to also be a Special Olympics Athlete and a person who has an intellectual disability.
|