Athlete Empowerment & Leadership

Athlete Empowerment & Leadership Athlete Empowerment Special Olympics Ontario is committed to ensuring that athletes participate in all key areas of the organization through athlete empowerment initiatives. This commitment hopes to ensure that athletes are given the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics movement beyond sports training and competition. Through athlete empowerment, Special Olympics Ontario hopes to help athletes experience greater control over their lives, put their thoughts into action, be personally responsible and have some input in their local communities. It is SOO's goal to include the participation of as many people with intellectual disabilities in running and spreading awareness for SOO programs as possible. Special Olympics Ontario utilizes Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) to encourage and facilitate athlete empowerment. Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPS) Special Olympics Ontario provides Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs), which equip athletes with the tools to undertake positions of leadership within their community and the broader Special Olympics movement. These workshops enable athletes to explore opportunities beyond sports training and competition. Leadership roles can include public speaking, acting as an athlete health advocate, being a team captain as well as preparing athletes for positions as Board and Committee Members. These roles give athletes a voice in shaping the Special Olympics movement, and a chance to spread the word about the transformations Special Olympics can bring to individuals and families. ALPs workshops are organized in communities throughout the province. To learn more about an ALPs workshop in your community, contact your Community Council, District Developer or the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial office. Athlete Leadership Opportunities Opportunities for Athlete Leaders who have participated in Athlete Leadership Program workshops include a multitude of roles, including, but not limited to acting as an Athlete Speaker, Community Athlete Representative, Peer Mentor or as member of the Athlete Leadership Council. What qualifies an athlete to become an Athlete Leader? Attend or take part in an ALPs workshop when it is provided Understand and adhere to "Athletes Rights and Responsibilities" Assist other athletes, coaches or council members when asked and able to Ensure your activities and conduct positively reflect your participation in Special Olympics Be in good standing with your Community and Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Speakers The Athlete Leadership Programs' speaker training is designed to prepare and train Special Olympics Ontario athletes with the tools necessary to prepare captivating and enlightening speeches using their own words and experiences. Athlete Leaders who have completed ALPs training and are interested in participating in local and provincial speaking engagements are encouraged to work with their Community Council to determine suitable speaking opportunities. Community Athlete Representatives Athlete Leaders have the opportunity to become active members of their local Community Council by applying to be a Community Athlete Representative. The role of the Athlete Representative is to provide a voice for athletes on Community Councils and to help ensure that athletes in the community are participating in community initiatives. For a more in depth description of this position please view the position description found in this section of the Resource Library. Athletes as Volunteers After years of participating in the same sports, many athletes report that they are looking for new challenges and activities within the Special Olympics Ontario organization. Athletes who feel that they have a grasp of the fundamentals of a sport and believe that they might be able to mentor other athletes in that sport might be candidates for the Peer Mentorship Program, which combines sport knowledge with athlete leadership. For additional information on the Peer Mentorship Program, please contact your Community Council or District Developer. The Athlete Leadership Council The Athlete Leadership Council is comprised of a group of Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Leaders. The Council focuses on promoting athlete leadership programming and ensures that athletes from different communities have an opportunity to discuss their experiences and community-specific matters. To learn more about the Athlete Leadership Council please contact your Community Council or District Developer.

Community Athlete Representative - Manual 2018

Community Athlete Representative Manual 1 Community Athlete Representative Manual Table Contents Community Athlete Representatives Special Olympics Athlete Leaders have the opportunity to become active members of their local Community Council. They can do this by applying to be a Community Athlete Representative or being nominated to be a Community Athlete Representative. The role of the Community Athlete Representative is to provide a voice for all local athletes on Community Councils and to help ensure that athletes in the community are participating in community initiatives. Community Athlete Representative Qualities: Passionate about Special Olympics Good communication skills Positive attitude Organized Committed and Responsible Patient Strong Listening Skills Desire to take on new challenges Respected by other Special Olympics athletes, coaches and volunteers Ability to form their own opinions and communicate them clearly Community Athlete Representative Duties Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns, and wishes for their local programs Speak on behalf of the athletes in your community at Community Council Meetings Ensure that athletes know about and attend Community Events Determine ways to spread awareness about Special Olympics Speak on behalf of Special Olympics at local events and schools Community Athlete Representative Responsibilities Understand and adhere to the Athletes Rights and Responsibilities Complete an Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) workshop when available Have access to email Spend at least 10 hours a month on your duties as a Community Athlete Representative Examples of how to execute your Duties and Responsibilities At council meetings: Provide input on athlete issues and/or topics that arise Provide meaningful input about topics you'd like to see discussed In the Community: Introduce yourself to your fellow athletes at events and practices Explain your role on the council to your fellow athletes Provide important information to fellow athletes discussed at Community Council Meetings Represent the council and your community at events such as; Cheque Presentations Sports Events (Golf tournaments, Puck drop, etc.) Fundraisers Interviews Lead health and nutrition discussions with other athletes Initiate fundraising ideas and awareness events Use social media to spread the word about Special Olympics and your experience as an Athlete Leader Be a role model for younger athletes, as well as other members in your community Becoming a Community Athlete Representative A coach, volunteer, or other Special Olympics Ontario member must nominate community Athlete Representatives. Athletes can also nominate themselves. Examples of how to become a Community Athlete Representative: Speaking with your coach about your interest in the position and asking them to nominate you Speak to your Community Coordinator or Athlete Coordinator about your interest in the position, and about the next steps Complete a Community Athlete Representative nomination form yourself Things to do once becoming a Community Athlete Representative Once becoming a representative, there are some key things to remember to do. In your role, you may be asked to: Attend Community Council Meetings Work with the Community Council and Athlete Leadership Coordinator (if applicable) to determine your duties on the Community Council Visit local practices and teams, and introduce yourself to your fellow athletes Communicate with local athletes about their interests, concerns, and wishes for Special Olympics and communicate the appropriate information back to the Community Council Work with Community Council to find new opportunities to talk about Special Olympics Ontario in your community Athlete Representative Recruitment Special Olympics Ontario is committed to ensuring that athletes participate in all key areas of the organization through athlete empowerment initiatives. This commitment hopes to ensure that athletes are given the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics movement beyond sports training and competition. Through athlete empowerment, Special Olympics Ontario hopes to help athletes experience greater control over their lives, put their thoughts into action, be personally responsible and have some input in their local communities. It is SOO's goal to include the participation of as many people with intellectual disabilities in running and spreading awareness for SOO programs as possible. Athlete Representative Recruitment There are many benefits to becoming a Community Athlete Representative. Some examples of those benefits may include; Local athletes being more supported Athletes have a stronger connection to their SOO local community Athletes develop a better understating of the SOO organization Athletes develop stronger relationships with agency partners, schools, and/or municipalities Athletes participate in enacting positive change Athletes develop and utilize their leadership, presentation, and communication skills as a whole Benefits of becoming a Community Athlete Representative There are many benefits to becoming a Community Athlete Representative. Below is a list of a few examples: Local athletes are more supported Athletes have a stronger connection to their Special Olympics Ontario community Athlete develop a better understanding of the Special Olympics Ontario organization Athlete develop stronger relationships with agency partners, schools and municipalities Athlete participate in enacting positive change Athlete develop and utilize their leadership, presentation and communication skills Athletes Rights and Responsibilities I have the RIGHT to belong to Special Olympics Ontario (SOO). It is my RESPONSIBILITY to uphold its Oath and be dedicated to my sport and my team. I have the RIGHT to be treated fairly and equally. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to know the rules, follow the rules and accept the consequences of ALL my actions. I have the RIGHT to speak and be heard. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to communicate with others respectfully, and not to use any foul language or unkind words, or unkind gestures. I have the RIGHT to a qualified and dedicated coach who will respect my rights as an athlete. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to work together with my coach, and respect his or her rights as a coach. I have the RIGHT to enjoy my sport in a safe place and in a safe way. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to tell my coach, or another person I trust, if I feel unsafe. I have the RIGHT to be united in sportsmanship and fair play. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to treat others fairly, encourage sportsmanship and fair play. I have the RIGHT to bring to events my personal items and my sports equipment. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to look after my sports equipment and report any theft or damage of my sports equipment to someone I trust. I will not take another person's property. I have the RIGHT to be respected on and off the field, or wherever I play my sport. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to respect others on and off the field. I have the RIGHT to be the best I can be and to receive recognition for my successes. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to encourage and support others to do their best. I have the RIGHT to win, and if I cannot win, be brave in the attempt. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to have fun and participate in the sport of my choice in a safe and positive way.

Community Athlete Representative Nomination Form

Community Athlete RepresentativeNomination Form Name of nominee:  Phone or email of nominee:    Name of person completing this form:    Phone or email of person completing this form:    Role of person completing this form (Athlete, Coach, Volunteer, Parent etc.):    How long has the nominee been a part of Special Olympics?    Please outline the nominee's experience with Public Speaking:    Please explain why you think the nominee is a candidate for the role of Community Athlete Representative:      Is the nominee able to speak and act on behalf of themselves and their fellow Special Olympics athletes? If yes, explain:  

ALPs ALC Peer Mentors

1.3 Opportunities for Athletes test This section explores leadership and mentorship opportunities for Special Olympics athletes, in and through sport.  1.3.1 Athlete Empowerment Special Olympics Ontario is committed to ensuring that athletes participate in all key areas of the organization through athlete empowerment initiatives. This commitment hopes to ensure that athletes are given the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics movement beyond sports training and competition. Through athlete empowerment, Special Olympics Ontario hopes to help athletes experience greater control over their lives, put their thoughts into action, be personally responsible and have some input in their local communities. It is SOO's goal to include the participation of as many people with intellectual disabilities in running and spreading awareness for SOO programs as possible. Special Olympics Ontario utilizes Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) to encourage and facilitate athlete empowerment.  1.3.2 Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) Special Olympics Ontario provides Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs), which equip athletes with the tools to undertake positions of leadership within their community and the broader Special Olympics movement. These workshops enable athletes to explore opportunities beyond sports training and competition. Leadership roles can include public speaking, acting as an athlete health advocate, being a team captain as well as preparing athletes for positions as Board and Committee Members. These roles give athletes a voice in shaping the Special Olympics movement, and a chance to spread the word about the transformations Special Olympics can bring to individuals and families. ALPs workshops are organized in communities throughout the province. To learn more about an ALPs workshop in your community, contact your Community Council, District Developer or the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial office.  1.3.3 Athlete Leadership Opportunities Opportunities for Athlete Leaders who have participated in Athlete Leadership Program workshops include a multitude of roles, including, but not limited to acting as an Athlete Speaker, Community Athlete Representative, Peer Mentor or as member of the Athlete Leadership Council.      What qualifies an athlete to become an Athlete Leader? Attend or take part in an ALPs workshop when it is provided Understand and adhere to "Athletes Rights and Responsibilities" Assist other athletes, coaches or council members when asked and able to Ensure your activities and conduct positively reflect your participation in Special Olympics Be in good standing with your Community and Special Olympics Ontario  Athlete Speakers The Athlete Leadership Programs' speaker training is designed to prepare and train Special Olympics Ontario athletes with the tools necessary to prepare captivating and enlightening speeches using their own words and experiences. Athlete Leaders who have completed ALPs training and are interested in participating in local and provincial speaking engagements are encouraged to work with their Community Council to determine suitable speaking opportunities.  Community Athlete Representatives Athlete Leaders have the opportunity to become active members of their local Community Council by applying to be a Community Athlete Representative. The role of the Athlete Representative is to provide a voice for athletes on Community Councils and to help ensure that athletes in the community are participating in community initiatives. For a more in depth description of this position please contact your Community Council or District Developer.  Athletes as Volunteers After years of participating in the same sports, many athletes report that they are looking for new challenges and activities within the Special Olympics Ontario organization. Athletes who feel that they have a grasp of the fundamentals of a sport and believe that they might be able to mentor other athletes in that sport might be candidates for the Peer Mentorship Program, which combines sport knowledge with athlete leadership. For additional information on the Peer Mentorship Program, please contact your Community Council or District Developer.  The Athlete Leadership Council The Athlete Leadership Council is comprised of a group of Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Leaders. The Council focuses on promoting athlete leadership programming and ensures that athletes from different communities have an opportunity to discuss their experiences and community-specific matters. To learn more about the Athlete Leadership Council please contact your Community Council or District Developer.  1.3.5 COMMUNITY ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE JOB DESCRIPTION Purpose To provide a voice for athletes on Community Councils and to help ensure athletes in the community are participating in community initiatives. Qualifications Desire to be a leader amongst Special Olympics athletes Basic understanding of Special Olympics Positive attitude Respected by other Special Olympics athletes and coaches Comfortable in group situations Committed and responsible Strong language and communication skills Completion of Athlete Leadership Program workshop when available Ability to get to events without Community Council or Special Olympics Ontario support Access to computer and e-mail strongly recommended Duties and Responsibilities Attend Community Council meetings Complete Community Athlete Representative online training Work with the Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) on ongoing initiatives Communicate with local athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics Make sport club visits to local clubs Work with Community Public Relations Coordinator to set up speaking events around your community and to help athletes in your community become involved in these events Work with Community Fundraising Coordinator to make sure athletes participate in local fundraisers Work with Community Registrar and Volunteer Coordinator on recruitment campaigns Encourage and monitor Athlete Empowerment in your community Work with Community Council to find the next Athlete Representative and train them when your term is finished Review and be familiar with sections 1,6,7,8, and 18 of the information portal Maintain Special Olympics e-mail address that is provided to you if applicable Time Requirement Up to 10 hours per month, e-mails, phone conferences, meetings, events and workshops 13 month term Accountability Reports to Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) and is accountable to all local athletes * Please note that Athlete Representatives on a Community Council cannot be related to any other current Community Council members *  (INSERT APPLICATION FORM HERE)  Community Athlete Representative 13 Month Check List MONTH 1 Things you will do: □ Create introduction letter for community council/ clubs □ Introduce yourself to your Community Council Members and Athlete Leadership Council Representative Members (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Introduce yourself to your Provincial Athlete Advisory District Representative Things you may do: □ Start introducing yourself to volunteers and athletes in your community MONTH 2 □ Create your Special Olympics Ontario biography □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Create a list of clubs in your community that you will visit over your term □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine appropriate Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Create a list of schools/external clubs that you may visit over your term MONTH 3 □ Start visiting sports clubs in your area, take along your biography and speak to the athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Start doing Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 4 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Work with PR coordinator on Public Speaking Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 5 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Connect with your Fundraising coordinator about how you or other athletes can get involved in fundraising in your community □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 6 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Report back to your District Developer on how things are going and what you have done □ Work with your Fundraising Coordinator and participate in a fundraising event □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 7 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Connect with your athlete/volunteer coordinator to see how you and other athletes can help find new athletes and volunteers □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 8 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Work with your athlete/volunteer coordinator on recruitment events (athlete or volunteer information session) □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 9 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Work with your athlete/volunteer coordinator on recruitment events (athlete or volunteer information session) □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 10 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Start thinking about finding an athlete to replace you as the Athlete Leadership for your community. Visit local clubs and present on what it means to be an AA. □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Prepare an application form for athletes interested in being the AA □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 11 □ Visit sports clubs in your area, speak to athletes and volunteers □ Get feedback from athletes about their interests, concerns and wishes for Special Olympics □ Report your feedback to your Community Council and Athlete Leadership Council Representative (if applicable) □ Send out AA application forms to local clubs. All forms must be returned to the community council by month end □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Read all applications and talk with the community coordinator about who would be a good AA □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 12 □ Review AA applications with community council and select a new Athlete Leadership for your community □ Inform the new AA that they have been chosen and introduce them to the council □ Send a Thank you note to your community council and say Thank you to the Community Council and your District Developer for working with you □ Attend a Community Council Meeting □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate Public Speaking or Media Events □ Work with applicable Community Council Members to determine/schedule appropriate school or external organization visits MONTH 13 □ Shadow the new Athlete Representative, introduce them to the sports clubs and help them when they need it □ Contact your District Developer and submit your completed checklist to them                          1.3.6 Athletes as Volunteers After years of participating in the same sports, many athletes report that they are looking for new challenges and activities within the Special Olympics Ontario organization. Athletes who feel that they have a grasp of the fundamentals of a sport and believe that they might be able to teach that sport to other athletes might be candidates for the Peer Mentorship Program.  The Peer Mentorship Program provides Special Olympics athletes with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on a mentorship role within a Special Olympics sport program. This course is for athletes who have expertise in a sport they have trained in and wish to volunteer with a program by mentoring their fellow athletes in a specific sport.    The Peer Mentorship Program Eligibility Athletes are eligible to act as a Peer Mentor in the Peer Mentorship Program if they: Attend a Peer Mentorship Program workshop Have been registered as a Special Olympics athlete for at least 5 years in the sport in which they wish to support and are currently registered with Special Olympics Ontario Have been endorsed by their chapter and the coaches in the sport they desire to mentor Are 18 years of age or older Have successfully completed a Special Olympics Ontario Volunteer Application form Have undergone and submitted a Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Search to Special Olympics Ontario Have a working knowledge of the sport they would like to be a peer mentor for Are comfortable in a leadership role Will be mentoring in a sport they are not currently involved in as an athlete Respect the Code of Conduct and all Policies and Procedures of the Organization  Expectations Peer mentors are expected to: Abide by the policies set by Special Olympics Ontario Adhere to the plans set out for them by the Head Coach and Assistant Coach Assist a variety of areas of the program including warm ups, drill instruction, equipment set up, demonstrations, training and cool down as needed Assisting with the management of equipment for training sessions and competitions as needed Be under the supervision and guidance of a coach at all times and are not to be left alone in a supervisory position To learn more about becoming a Peer Mentor please connect with your Community Council, District Developer or the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Office.    1.3.7 The Athlete Leadership Council The Athlete Leadership Council was created to give athletes an opportunity to collaborate with their peers throughout the province on how utilize their roles as athlete leaders. Athlete leaders can improve programs through promoting Special Olympics, being role models in their communities and improving the overall quality of Special Olympics in Ontario. Purpose: The Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) is a group of Special Olympics athlete leaders whose goal is to: Provide athlete representation at the Provincial Level; Present ideas, concerns and feedback on behalf of Community athletes; Present ideas to the Special Olympics Ontario's Program Department through the Athlete Leadership Coordinator; Promote Athlete Leadership programming within Special Olympics Ontario and provide an athlete voice throughout the province; Distribute athlete-specific information to Community athletes. This council is to serve as a forum for athletes to discuss various Special Olympics-related topics with each other. The ALC members have the opportunity to liaise with the Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Leadership Coordinator, giving them an opportunity to provide feedback on what is happening in their communities, voice their opinions about important issues, and gain leadership training and experience through their leadership. Qualifications and Requirements: The ALC allows for two representative from each District in Ontario. This representative must be 18 years or older, currently registered in Special Olympics and is required to have a minimum of 4 years of experience as a Special Olympics Athlete. Candidates must be in good standing with their Community and Special Olympics Ontario. Candidates must be open and respectful towards the ideas, opinions and perspectives of other athletes. Athletes appointed to the Athlete Leadership Council are required to have taken part in the Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) prior to applying for a position. Candidates must be experienced athlete leaders who have developed the ability to participate independently in meetings and on conference calls. All members must have access to email. Some travel may be required. Selection: Each athlete member of the ALC is to have proven leadership experience. This may include, but is not limited to: Holding the position of Community Athlete Representative Public Speaking Interviews Local Public Appearances Peer Mentorship Alternative leadership experience outside of Special Olympics Ontario  The members selected to this group will be nominated by their local Community Council. Mentors: While every ALC member is expected to participate in meetings independently, communities can choose to appoint a mentor to provide support to their athlete representative. The role of the mentor is to offer assistance and encouragement in logistical planning such as meeting notes, travel details, conference call information etc. ALC members are not required to have a mentor if they and their Community do not feel it is necessary. Meetings: Throughout the course of a year there will be four (4) meetings, with one in person (funding dependent). All other meetings will be conducted via conference call on a pre-determined day. Term: Each term will last for two (2) years. For the first members of the ALC, terms will be staggered with half the members serving a one (1) year term and the remaining members serving a two (2) year term to create continuity. Should athletes wish to be nominated for a second term, their Community can do so. No athlete can spend more than 2 consecutive terms on the council, and must take at least three years off before being nominated again. Group Composition: The Athlete Leadership Coordinator, a SOO staff representative, will chair the ALC. Each meeting, the Council will vote to select one member to be the "secretary" for that meeting. It will be the secretary's responsibility to take notes throughout the meeting and send their completed notes to the Athlete Leadership Coordinator within one week. The Athlete Leadership Coordinator will distribute the meeting notes to all members of the ALC. Accountability: The ALC reports to the Special Olympics Ontario Health and Leadership team as part of the Program Department of Special Olympics Ontario. For information on how to get involved, please contact your local Community Council.      

OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORT

OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORT  Training Special Olympics Ontario training programs are community-based and work at a grassroots level. Sport clubs are located in communities across the province that are responsible for offering training opportunities in various sports. Programs are offered, and run, at the local level by a dedicated group of volunteers.  Local Competition The province is divided into a number of sport specific conferences, these conference boundaries are determined based on the size of each sport.  Each conference is responsible for organizing conference competitions for registered clubs each sport season. Competitions give athletes an opportunity to demonstrate sports skills they have learned in practice and also let them have fun and meet other athletes.  Provincial Qualifiers Once every four years each sport conference hosts a Provincial Qualifier. Eligible athletes that attend these competitions have the ability to be identified for advancement to the Provincial Games.  Major Games All eligible athletes, regardless of ability level, have the opportunity to be identified for advancement to Major Games as long as they participated at the proceeding qualifying competition and meet all eligibility requirements.  Seasonal Provincial Games are held once every four years. Special Olympics Ontario has three sport seasons: Spring, Summer and Winter.  National Games rotate between Summer and Winter Games every two years.  World Games rotate between Summer and Winter Games every two years.  For our current Games Cycle please see the Competition section of this library.      

ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

If an individual is two years of age or older and is identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability, then that person is eligible to participate as an athlete in Special Olympics.  If the person is identified as having closely related developmental disabilities with functional limitations in both general and learning adaptive skills, then that person is eligible to participate in Special Olympics. However, if the functional limitations are only due to physical disabilities, emotional disturbance, behaviour disorders, specific learning disabilities, visual impairment or sensory disabilities, then the person is not eligible for Special Olympics  Age Criteria The traditional minimum age for athletes to participate in Special Olympics is eight. There are, however, further considerations for involvement with respect to age.  Youth Programs Special Olympics Ontario offers youth-specific programming, with two age groups targeted: Active Start for two to six year-olds, and FUNdamentals for seven to twelve year-olds. Please visit the Sport & Program section of this library for further information regarding these programs.  Participation in Major Games As per sport policy 7000-305, the athlete must be 10 years of age or older as of the first day of competition to participate in Provincial Games As per sport policy 7000-401, athletes must be 13 years of age or older for the first day of National Games to participate in National Games.