That's because, contrary to popular belief, people with intellectual disabilities aren't just competing at one well-publicized annual event.
These athletes, age eight and up, are training several times a week to meet their goals.
The Special Olympics organization gives them "continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community."
Speed Skating and Figure Skating are just two of the many sports SO athletes can participate in. Both are governed by the International Skating Union. Additionally, in both sports, unified teams bring together intellectually disabled and non-disabled people to train and compete together.
The Special Olympics receives no federal money, is nonprofit and supported almost entirely by individuals, businesses and organizations.
Special Olympics Figure Skating
"Figure skating is one the few judged Special Olympics sports. Special Olympics Figure Skating features singles and pairs jumps, lifts and many feats of strength and precision. Ice dancers concentrate on interpreting the rhythm and tempo of music through dance steps on the ice."
According to Special Olympics bylaws, figure skating competitions are governed by the ISU "except where modifications have been established for the benefit of all Special Olympics athletes."
Skaters may choose from the following World Games events: singles competitions, pairs skating, ice dancing, guest skate dance, unified pairs, unified ice dancing, and a skills competition at the local program level. Elements include varying levels of standard skills, such as toe loop and salchow jumps, footwork such as Mohawks, lunges and spirals, and dances up to the fourteen step.
The Special Olympics Figure Skating Skills Guide explains the Badge Program, a learn-to-skate program that takes athletes from beginning to more advanced skating. Download the Figure Skating Rule Book for more information.
Special Olympics Speed Skating
"Speed skating is a lifetime fitness sport for athletes of all ages; a popular form of competition that showcases strength and coordination."
Official events include several meter races, from 100 meters to 1500 meters, dependant upon the size of the oval. Athletes may participate in a 20 lap 4-person relay and a 20-lap Unified 4-person relay. A 25 meter straightway and a 50 or 55 meter half lap race are provided as a way for athletes with lower ability levels to "participate in meaningful competition."
If you're thinking about pulling a Ringer, don't bother. While Special Olympics designs healthful competitions for athletes of very low abilities, some SO speed skaters have an average lap time of less than 15 seconds! "In faster heats, Special Olympics speed skaters may reach speeds of up to 32 kilometers [about 20 miles] per hour." That's not bad, considering that world class athletes, such as Apolo Anton Ohno & Meng Wang, skate at around 30+ mph.
Download the Speed Skating Rule Booklet for more details.
Coach, Volunteer, or Compete in the Special Olympics
In order to compete in an international competition, skaters must first qualify locally in Area games, then Regional and finally Chapter competitions. Consequently, volunteers (who must be at least 14 years old) are in great demand for coaching (coaches must be certified by the Special Olympics), being a "buddy", stuffing envelopes, preparing lunches, etc.
If you're interested in coaching for the Special Olympics, competing in a sport, or volunteering, visit www.SpecialOlympics.org for more information.
