|
"The coach has a tremendous influence on the young people with whom he interacts. For a very many young people, the coach is often the most respected adult authority figure in the young person’s life. It is important that the coach not only says the right things but does the right things. Players emulate behavior much more than they pay attention to words that are spoken." Tom Osborne, Athletic Director, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Special Olympics Nebraska offers 19 different sports. Athletes train for eight weeks before competing at any regional or state competition. Athletes who place first, second or third at the regional level have the opportunity to advance to state level competition. Special Olympics Nebraska offers several “Unified” sports which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities who train and compete as a team. The hope is that these individuals will not only be teammates on the court but friends off the court.
Young Athletes is a program designed for children with intellectual disabilities ages two through seven. This program introduces the world of Special Olympics by engaging them in developmentally appropriate play activities. An evaluation of the program indicates this early intervention is working. Teachers and family members of participating children reported substantial gains in childrens’ social and motor skills, adaptive behavior (self care, community, self-sufficiency, etc.), communication and cognitive development. |
|  |
