Please view below, to help answer any questions you may have about Special Olympics Calgary. Click on the question to reveal the answer.
General
- + When does Special Olympics take place?
- Special Olympics is not a one-time event, but a year round sport program that offers training and competitive opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability. Special Olympics Calgary is in the community every day of the week with programs that run on a weekly basis.
- + When are Special Olympics World Games?
- Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating with Summer and Winter Games. The first Special Olympics International Summer Games was held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1968, and first World Winter Games was held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA, in 1977. In addition to the World Games, Special Olympics holds competitions at the local, provincial, national, and world level every year. In all, more than 70,000 Special Olympics competitions are held every year.
- + How is Special Olympics different from Paralympics?
- Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate and distinct sport organizations with specific eligibility requirements. Special Olympics is unique in providing sports opportunities for individuals with different levels of intellectual disabilities. Paralympics provides sports opportunities for athletes with a physical disability.
- + Is Special Olympics part of the Olympic movement?
- In 1988, Special Olympics was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the third member of the Olympic family. It is the only sports organisation authorised by the IOC to use the word ‘Olympics’ in its title.
- + How many people does Special Olympics serve?
- Special Olympics serves nearly 3.5 million people with intellectual (learning) disabilities in more than 170 countries. Special Olympics Calgary has over 850 individuals registered with us, and is the largest affiliate in Alberta.
- + How prevalent are intellectual disabilities?
- Intellectual disabilities know no boundaries. They cut across the lines of racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds and can occur in any family. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 200 million people, or three per cent of the world’s population, have intellectual disabilities – the largest disability population in the world.
Athletes
ELIGIBILITY
- + Who can participate in Special Olympics?
- Special Olympics programs are open to individuals with an intellectual disability ages 2 years and older. There is no maximum age limit for participation in Special Olympics. Participation is open to all individuals with an intellectual disability, regardless of the level or degree of that person’s disability, and whether or not that person also has other mental or physical disabilities.
Any person wishing to participate must first have a signed Athlete Registration and Medical Form, signed Release and Indemnity agreement and a signed Athlete Code of Conduct.
- + What is an Intellectual Disability?
- Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child. Intellectual disability can happen any time before a child turns 18 years old, even before birth.
- + Are Special Olympics programs for individuals with physical disabilities?
- No - Special Olympics is for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Paralympics involve athletes with physical disabilities. An individual may participate in Special Olympics if their physical disability is coexistent with an intellectual disability.
- + I am in a wheelchair – do I qualify for Special Olympics?
- Physical disabilities alone do not qualify an individual for Special Olympics. If you also have an intellectual disability, then you would qualify.
REGISTRATION
- + When do I need to register?
-
- We accept registration anytime throughout the year. However, as there are limited spaces in some sports, we encourage athletes to register early for both Fall and Spring sports. Registration for the program season happens annually in September.
The following sports usually fill up very quickly: 5 Pin bowing, golf, swimming and badminton. Once a program is full, athletes will be put on a waitlist. The office will let you know if you are on a waitlist, and if/when a spot becomes available for you.
- + What do I need to register with Special Olympics Calgary?
-
- You need to complete an Athlete Registration and Medical Form, a signed Athlete Release and Indemnity Form and a signed Code of Conduct. All forms must be submitted and processed by our office before an athlete can participate in their selected programs. You can find the registration package under the Forms tab on our website, or contact our office for us to send you one.
- + I am moving from a different affiliate – can I have my previous Special Olympics program mail my records to Special Olympics Calgary?
-
- No – you must complete the Special Olympics Calgary Registration package. Forms from another affiliate are not accepted
- + Is there a cost to participate with Special Olympics?
- There is no membership cost to register as an athlete with Special Olympics Calgary. There are subsidized program fees that differentiate from program to program ranging from $30 - $140. Please visit our website here to view our sport programs and their associated fees.
Payments
- + How do I pay for my registration and sports?
-
- We accept payment by cheque or cash. Cheques should be made payable to "Special Olympics Calgary". We DO NOT accept debit or credit card payments.
- + Do I have to pay for all of my sports now?
-
- You can pay for your current sports that are starting up (fall/winter programs) and defer payment for your spring sports until March. However, it is the responsibility of the athlete to make sure fees are submitted prior to starting your sport.
- + Are post-dated cheques acceptable?
-
- Yes, you can send in post-dated cheques but is it your responsibility to keep track of the dates. NSF cheques will be subject to a $25 service fee.
- + I am unable to afford the program fees, what can I do?
-
- The Children's Ability Fund provides a Program Registration Fee reimbursement grant to assist children and young adults with disabilities (0-21 years of age) with the cost of programs that encourage educational, recreational and physical activities. Click here to read the Program Guidelines (page 2) and access the application form.
- The Kidsport program provides financial assistance for families in financial need with athletes between the ages of 5-18. Click here to learn more. - PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) funds services for adults 18 and over. Click here to learn more
No Special Olympics athlete is denied the ability to participate if the fees are unaffordable. If program fees are a challenge, please contact our Executive Director Kathy Urquhart at 403-735-1022 ext 222 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to discuss payment options.
- + How do I get a refund?
- Refunds will only be issued when the office is notified within the first two weeks of the start of the program. A $10 administration fee will be charged for each withdrawal.
Programs
- + Which sports does Special Olympics Calgary offer?
-
- Special Olympics Calgary offers 23 different programs. There are 18 official sports, 2 recreation programs, 1 demonstration sport and 2 young athlete programs. You can view the list of programs we offer here. Athletes can participate in as many sports as they wish.
- + What is divisioning?
-
- Special Olympics Calgary allows athletes of all ability levels to participate, and every athlete is recognized for his or her performance. Through a process called divisioning, Special Olympics programs are structured so that athletes compete with other athletes of similar ability in equitable divisions. This makes for exciting competitions!
- + What is the dress code at the program?
-
- Athletes should wear appropriate athletic attire to their sport programs. Usually, this includes athletic shoes with non-marking soles, shorts or sweats, and a t-shirt. Swimmers must wear a swimsuit (no two pieces for females) and bring a towel. Please contact the head coach or the office for sport-specific equipment needed. Athletes who are not dressed appropriately will be asked to observe the practice for that day.
- + The Program Information on the website doesn't show the start date. How do I know when my sport will start?
-
- The actual start dates for each sport will be confirmed in the fall and the spring of the program season. The information will be posted on the website once it is confirmed, and your Head Coach will be in touch with you to let you know when the season starts.
- + When will I receive confirmation if I am in my requested program?
-
- Athletes will receive an email notification a week before the program starts letting them know whether they are in the program or on the waiting list. If you have not heard a week before the program starts, please contact the office at 403-735-1022. These will also be reminders that the sport is starting soon, but it is the athlete/guardian/caregivers responsibility to keep track of program dates. Please ensure to visit our website here so you know when your programs are starting.
- + Do you provide one to one support for the athletes?
-
- Our programs run solely on the support of volunteers. Special Olympics Calgary does not provide one to one support before, during and/or after a Special Olympics program. Individual sport programs will have a volunteer to athlete ratio of: winter sports 1:3, summer sports 1:4, while team sports will have a ratio of 1:5. If it is determined by our coaches that an athlete requires constant supervision or one to one support, the athlete's guardian/caregiver will be responsible to arrange having a support person assist the athlete at the program.
- + What happens if my program is cancelled?
- Due to weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances, weekly programs may be cancelled. You can visit our Program Cancellations page here, or call our Program Cancellations line outside of our office hours at 403-735-1022 ext 225, to see if your program has been cancelled. Coaches will contact all athletes via email or phone to let them know, so please check your messages and confirm with the coach that you have received the notice.
Competitions
- + Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics Games?
-
- To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics competitions, athletes must be at least eight years old and registered with the Special Olympics Calgary affiliate. Athletes must be at least 12 years old to compete in Provincial Games, and at least 14 years old to compete in National Games.
- + How do athletes qualify to compete?
- TOURNAMENTS - Tournaments and Competitions are available for registered Special Olympics athletes within their sport program. Opportunities and schedules vary from year to year, but can be held in Calgary, across Alberta, or possibly in neighbouring provinces. They can take place in one day or overnight based on the competition schedule and location. Athletes must have 75% attendance at program practices, appropriate behaviour and the ability to cope with pressures involved in traveling and competition in order to participate in a tournament opportunity. Some tournaments will be announced as a Regional Qualifier.
PROVINCIAL GAMES - Provincial Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter. Athletes must compete at the official Regional Qualifying Competition in order to qualify to attend Provincial Games. NATIONAL GAMES - Athletes who compete at Provincial Games may qualify to advance to National Games. National Games is held every two years, alternating between summer and winter. WORLD GAMES - Athletes who compete at National Games may qualify to represent Canada at World Games. World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter.
Volunteers
- + Does Special Olympics need volunteers?
-
- YES! Volunteers are the core of Special Olympics Calgary. They serve as coaches, referees, coordinators, and a variety of other valuable roles. Whether it’s a few hours per week, once a month or once a year, what volunteers give to Special Olympics is priceless. They energize our program every day, and in return, they gain their own rewarding experience. Contact Karen Hurley at 403-735-1022 ext 224 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or visit here to find out more about becoming a volunteer
- + What are the volunteer age requirements?
-
- We welcome volunteers 12 years of age and older. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when participating.
- + When can I volunteer?
-
- You can volunteer YEAR-ROUND! One of the most common misconceptions about Special Olympics is that we are a one-time event. In reality, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for athletes every day of the week, which means we need volunteers all the time.
- + I don’t have the time available at this time to coach. How else can I help?
- There are many ways to help. How about volunteering your time at a local competition? If you have an hour or two to spare, there are any number of volunteer opportunities that are available. Volunteering at a local competition is a great way to involve the entire family.
Another way to help is to support fundraising events. Special Olympics relies solely on the donations received from people, organizations and corporations in our community. We receive no federal funding of any kind so we appreciate any support you can give to our fundraising activities.
Do you have skills or experience, professionally or as a hobby, that you can use to benefit Special Olympics Calgary? This could involve planning a social media campaign, completing a funding application, technical support, DJing an athlete dance, or planning a fundraising event. Contact karen@specialolympicscalgary.ca and let us know how you might want to use your skills to help out!
Donations
- + Which credit cards does Special Olympics accept? How can I be sure my donation is secure?
-
- We accept Visa and MasterCard.
Special Olympics Calgary takes every precaution to protect our donors’ information. SSL encryption and certificate services are utilized for communicating potentially sensitive data over the Internet. This method is the industry standard security protocol, which makes it extremely difficult for anyone else to intercept the credit card information you send online.
In addition to maintaining privacy and security controls over information you share with us, Special Olympics Calgary works to accurately process your contribution information. If you would like to provide your credit card information over the phone, please contact us at 403-735-1022 during business hours (Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4pm MST).
- + Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
-
- Yes.
When you donate online, you will receive a transaction receipt confirming the charge has been taken from your credit card (You may have to check your junk mail folder). An official tax receipt will be sent from our Provincial organization for donations over $25.00. You will receive your tax receipt before the end of February of that tax year, but if you have not received, or have lost or misplaced it, please contact the SOA office at 1-800-444-2883.
- + I have old trophies/awards/medals, will Special Olympics be able to use them?
-
- We appreciate thinking of us but we unfortunately are unable to use them.
- + How is Special Olympics Calgary funded?
- Special Olympics Calgary is a registered charity underneath our Provincial organization, Special Olympics Alberta. We are generously supported annually by individual and corporate donations. We currently receive no government funding.
Other
- + Is Special Olympics Calgary a registered charity?
-
- Yes, Special Olympics Calgary is a registered charitable organization. As we are an affiliate under Special Olympics Alberta, we follow their registered Canadian charitable number: 11878 1145 RR0001.
- + What does the Special Olympics logo signify?
-
-
- The Special Olympics logo depicts five figures in a unifying circle, symbolizing our global presence.
The figures have arms in a lowered position, recalling the time when many people were unaware of the talents and abilities of adults and children with intellectual disabilities -- a time before the founding of Special Olympics.
The straight arms describe a greater equality and outreach. The raised arms represent "joy", and continued realization of ultimate goals.
- + What is the Special Olympics Athlete Oath?
-
- “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
- + What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?
-
- Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually. Through Special Olympics, athletes exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoying the rewards of friendship. Ultimately, athletes discover not only their abilities and talents, but “their voices” as well.
- + How can I help Special Olympics Calgary?
-
-
- + What do I do if my information changes during the year?
- If any of your information changes during the year, it is very important to notify the Athlete Registrar. This includes changes to your address, your emergency contact information or any medications.
I still have questions – who can I contact?
You can contact our office through phone or email and we would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please contact us here
|