SPECIAL OLYMPICS RHODE ISLAND INC

Special Olympics Rhode Island seeks to empower people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their personal best in all aspects of life, providing opportunities for athletes to demonstrate excellence, improve their physical fitness, and create relationships through sports. Research has shown that many people around the world underestimate the potential and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Sport not only helps to change external perceptions, it creates an opportunity to engage, have fun, and be a part of the global cultural phenomenon of sports.

Special Olympics Rhode Island offers a wide menu of year-round sports opportunities, as well as Athlete Leadership and volunteering to suit the many needs and preferences of the Rhode Island families we serve. In the past 20 years, Special Olympics Rhode Island has also offered Unified Sports in Rhode Island public schools, to encourage friendships and inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities and their peers without disabilities. With the experience of playing with and competing with individuals with intellectual disabilities, it is intended to promote life-long habits of acceptance and inclusion.

The Special Olympics concept was born in the early 1960's when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities. She observed the great joy campers experienced when playing sports, and resolved to create a program that meets physical fitness needs and boosts self-esteem. The Rhode Island Chapter of Special Olympics was established in 1968 and has served thousands of athletes and their families ever since.

Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI) currently serves over 4,000 athletes, all Rhode Islanders with intellectual disabilities. Our athletes are of all ages, from age 2 to 77. Along with the athletes, Special Olympics provides involvement and support to family members and/or caregivers, along with hundreds of volunteers from high schools, colleges and companies from around the state.

Special Olympics Rhode Island is one of the world's most dynamic programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities; providing over 1,600 year-round sports training and athletic competitions for more than 3,400 athletes and hosting over 40 local, regional, and statewide tournaments and competitions each year in 21 official and demonstration sports. Special Olympics Rhode Island also has a Unified Sports Program, a Motor Activities Training Program, Young Athletes Program (for children under age 8), Healthy Athletes Program and the Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Program. Our Unified Champion Schools program is in EVERY Rhode Island Public High School, most Rhode Island Public Middle Schools and a growing number of Public Elementary Schools.

Established in 1968 and a chapter of Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Rhode Island annually provides over 1,600 athletic training and/or competitions at no cost for over 4,000 athletes and their families. Each year we provide opportunities for over 6,000 community volunteers and organize athletic games throughout Rhode Island. Special Olympics Rhode Island Unified Sports was started 20 years ago, and is now in every RI public high school and in most RI public middle schools. Special Olympics Rhode Island Unified Sports is run by our Director of Programs who has been with Special Olympics Rhode Island for over 30 years, along with a team of athletic directors and health experts. Special Olympics Rhode Island places great emphasis on health issues for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, encouraging fitness and good-eating habits through education and other resources, all at no cost to the athlete or family.