Special Olympics National Games

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The Special Olympics National Games (SONG) are the largest sporting event in Germany for people with an intellectual disability . The games are part of the international Special Olympics movement. They have been taking place regularly since 1998.

Origin and goals

The Special Olympics National Games were born in 1968 and can be traced back to Eunice Kennedy-Shriver . On October 3, 1991, "Special Olympics Germany" eV (SOD) was founded. The aim is to give children and adults with intellectual disabilities access to and options to participate in social life through year-round, regular sports training and competitions in a variety of sports. The first national summer games organized by SOD took place in Stuttgart in 1998. There followed a continuous increase in the number of athletes as well as regional and national events. The games were further developed by z. B. new sports were introduced. The competitions should be organized at local, regional and national level in order to encourage as many people with intellectual disabilities as possible to participate in regular sports. For this purpose, cooperation with sports associations is sought.

organization structure

Organizational structure Special Olympics Germany eV

The organizer of the games is "Special Olympics Germany", the national organization of Special Olympics International. The SOD Presidium works as a voluntary management body that represents the association internally and externally. SOD has its federal office in Berlin, where the employees implement the guidelines of the Presidium.

An organizing committee with a responsible steering committee will be set up to organize the games. The steering committee is the strategic political body. It is structurally and personally integrated into SOD, but has a certain autonomy due to the city as a donor and the representatives of the regional association. Overall, it is advised by the organizing committee. It is the representative body that establishes connections to the organizational environment and is made up of SOD, state representatives, the state sports association, media partners, etc.

For the organization at the venue of the SONG, the federal office will set up another office - the National Games Office. This takes on various areas of responsibility such as logistics, competitions, finances and public relations.

dramaturgy

With the recognition of the Special Olympics by the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ), Olympic programs can be taken up. This includes a torch relay, opening ceremony with flag / anthem / flame, award ceremonies, an Olympic Town or Olympic Festival, the closing ceremony and the implementation of congresses. In large events such as opening and closing ceremonies, athletes disco or Olympic Festival, the common experience connects the athletes. The various sports, the non-competitive offer, the funding programs and the congress are integrated and optically designed under a motto (“Strong together!”). A ceremony that differs from the Olympics is the award ceremony. At the SONG, every participant is a winner and is honored according to the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win! But if I can't win, boldly let me do my best! ”.

Sports and social program

Sports facilities

Snowshoe competition at Special Olympics 2017 at Mühlenkopfschanze

The sporting activities are carried out in sports facilities that meet international standards as far as possible. They should be close together and have sufficient audience capacity. The central location of the SONG is the Olympic Festival. A wide range of sports, shows and music is offered to the audience on the stages and at the stands. The course of the non-competitive offer at the Olympic Festival is also set up. Solemn award ceremonies take place at all sports facilities after the competitions.

Participation requirements

Participation is open to all people with intellectual disabilities as long as they are at least 12 years old. The type and degree of disability (s) are not relevant for participation. The intellectual disability must be officially confirmed prior to registration. It is compulsory for all athletes to take out accident and health insurance.

Classification / homogeneous performance groups

So that every participant has the same chance of success, different performance groups are divided into the competitions. The performance groups are compiled from the reported top performances and the preliminary work performed on site. There is also a classification according to age and gender.

Unified Sports

The Unified Sports Program is a concept that was developed in the mid-1980s. Mentally disabled people form a team together with people without intellectual disabilities to train together and to take part in separate competitions.

Non-competitive offer

Special Olympics has developed the non-competitive offer for people who cannot participate in the official sports of the national games due to the severity of their mental or multiple disabilities. The course usually consists of 10–15 varied and activity-promoting stations that are set up at the SONG Olympic Festival. Each participant receives a running card on which the completed stations are entered. If the participant has completed a minimum number of stations, he will receive a medal.

Supporting program

In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies, it includes the Olympic Festival program, athletes' disco, welcome show and events from the region.

Healthy Athletes

Healthy Athletes is the health program and describes the all-round health care of the athletes. During the games, the athletes are offered a free and comprehensive check-up. Treatments by specialist staff and extensive support in the areas of hearing, vision, teeth, feet / posture, nutrition are registered and recommendations are made.

Cultural program

In cooperation with art and cultural institutions in the host city, an extensive cultural program consisting of exhibitions, demonstrations and hands-on activities is created. It is also important to show and promote the art and culture of people with intellectual disabilities that already exist in the city. In 2010, for example, a broad dance and theater program was developed under the motto “Bremen offers heroes' stages, both before and during the National Games.

Family program

The family program is a special service for family members that enables them to share in the achievements and joy of their child. The service includes tickets for the opening ceremony, city tours, training courses, a reception and free access to all SONG events.

Scientific Congress

As part of the Special Olympics National Games, Special Olympics Germany invites national and international experts to the host city of the Games. A public discussion by the experts provides a platform for new approaches in the areas of health science, sports science and special education.

Perspectives

Qualification measures

The SONG live from volunteer work. In 2010 in Bremen more than 2500 volunteers and employees of sponsors got involved on a voluntary basis. They are prepared for their work in short measures. In order to optimally prepare volunteers, systematic training courses could be offered for technical trainers and event managers, which enable them to work for a longer period. This would allow more clubs to offer sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Companies have the advantage that the social skills of the employees are brought into the company.

Cooperations and networks

In order to strengthen the idea of ​​inclusion in the long term, networks and cooperation are required. In addition to financial and material support, public advertising in particular contributes to sustainably promoting the goals of the SONG. The commitment of sponsors, testimonials, associations, schools, foundations, etc. creates new projects. They in turn demand human resources and diverse communication services from SOD that go beyond the sporting organization.

Publicity

The aim of public relations is to increase public awareness. Since the beginning of the SONG in Germany, its popularity has increased. Evidence is an increased media presence and an increasing number of participants. The topic is still rarely taken up in the media.

Number of participants

If the number of participants continues to rise, those responsible face new logistical challenges. The situation could be defused by strengthening regional games and using them for qualification. On the other hand, participating in national games offers an unforgettable experience for many active people.

Cultural aspects

In the run-up to the games, there is a chance to gain awareness through framework and side events. More intensive media presence enhances the reputation of the National Games. During the event, the focus is on the sporting competitions. Therefore, cultural offers must not be oversized and distract from the essentials. However, art and culture offer good opportunities to better integrate the network of the National Games into the city. It is important to work with the artists for mutual benefit (example: the University of the Arts develops the medals).

places

Special Olympics Germany has been organizing national summer and winter games every two years since 2018.

Web links

Commons : Special Olympics Germany  - Collection of images, videos and audio files