About Special Olympics Palm Beach County
Special Olympics Palm Beach County is the grassroots level of Special Olympics Inc., which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for persons eight years of age and older 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 Olympic athletes and the community.
The Special Olympics Oath “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” exemplifies the true spirit of our Special Olympians. Since 1968, when Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities have experienced the benefits of improved physical fitness, greater self confidence and a more positive self image through their involvement.
Palm Beach County has one of the largest athlete programs in the State of Florida with close to 1,600 participants currently enrolled. Active recruitment is an ongoing effort and it is hoped that the local program will grow to more than 1,800 participants in the next few years.
Special Olympics Palm Beach County is a program whose strength and durability are shaped by a dedicated professional staff, a Management Team and hundreds of volunteers in local communities throughout the county. Fundraising, coaching, chaperoning, organizing and coordinating of the competitions would not be possible without the many individuals who donate their time to the intellectually disabled.
With two seasons of competition and tournaments offered throughout the year, Special Olympians have the opportunity to receive training on a year-round basis. Participants are divided into age groups and then placed in divisions according to ability. This enables the fairest competition possible. Athletes’ progress from local County Games to Area Games to State Games with limited Regional Competitions and a select few advancing to World Games (held every four years).
Athletic competition is divided into two seasons with additional Tournaments. Tournaments allow athletes to expand their competition opportunities.
Fall Classic: Bowling*, Softball*, Power Lifting, Roller Skating*, Gymnastics
Summer Games: Athletics* (Track & Field), Bocce*, Cycling, Soccer*, Tennis*, Volleyball*,
Motor Activities Training Program
Tournaments: Aquatics*, Basketball*, Equestrian, Golf*, Ice Skating, Alpine Skiing, Sailing*
Also Available: Unified Sports*
Several complimentary initiatives are being offered as well. The Young Athletes Program is a sports skill development program for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 7 through the emphasis of physical activity and play. This program provides flexibility to work with family members, teachers and volunteers.
The Healthy Athletes Program is designed to help athletes improve their health and fitness. Its mission is to improve each athlete’s ability to train and compete.
The Athlete Leadership Program provides opportunities to explore leadership roles within Special Olympics such as a volunteer, coach, official and more.
It costs Special Olympics Palm Beach County approximately $300,000 per year to operate the program. These funds are raised through individual donations, corporate support, civic groups and special event fund raisers. Donations are spent directly on the actual program and athlete expenses, the majority of the administrative costs are covered by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners through the County Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information, contact Rich Fleming, County Coordinator, Ryan Gilbert, Sports Director, Dan Fawcett, Games Director or Lisa Kuntzman, Program Director at (561) 966-7015, Special Olympics Palm Beach County, 2728 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth, FL, 33461 or email us at sopbc@hotmail.com.
For additional information about Special Olympics, please check the links below: