The American Legion & Special Olympics
The American Legion Resolution
• RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 17-18, 2007, That The American Legion adopt Special Olympics as a national children and youth project and participate in their programs to assist in providing year-round sports training and athletic competition to millions of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States and around the world; and, be it finally
• RESOLVED, That The American Legion urge all its Posts, Districts and Departments to work with and support the Special Olympics programs in whatever capacity that they so choose to increase quality of life opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
What is Special Olympics?What is Special Olympics?
The Mission:To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community
A Global Movement
North America 544,581
North America 544,581
Latin America 243,319
Latin America 243,319
Africa 81,884Africa 81,884
Asia Pacific 467,128
Asia Pacific 467,128
Middle East
N. Africa 111,424
Middle East
N. Africa 111,424
Europe/Eurasia 426,063
Europe/Eurasia 426,063
East Asia 660,014
East Asia 660,014
Serving over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities
in more than 180 countries.
Serving over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities
in more than 180 countries.
•Fast Growing:• 1 million athletes in 2001• 2.5 Million today• 3 Million by 2010
•Important – Changing lives, attitudes and influencing policy
•Transformative – Challenging stigmas and destroying prejudices
•Unifying – Bridging chasms that divide us as a society.
“The sun never sets on the
Special Olympics movement”
Structure & Making Connections
Special Olympics, Inc.
Special Olympics
North America
Special Olympics
U.S. Program (52)
Area Program Area Program Area Program
Local Program Local Program Local Program
The American Legion
National HQ
Departments
District District District
Post Post Post
Connecting with Special Olympics
Special Olympics U.S. Programs Program Locator
www.specialolympics.org
Select: “find a location”
Who to connect with?
The CEO (Executive Director, President) or the senior most “Program” or “Development” staff member
Partnership Opportunities
Volunteer or Donate (Time & Dollars):
• Coach a team
• Manage a venue or tournament
• Prepare and provide a meal
• Donate funds
• Invite a Global Messenger to your next meeting – they will be able to give you location specific requests
• We need your help to create more opportunities! Please share information so that we can share opportunities and increase the number of connections!