Interacting with Special Olympians:
Tips for the First-Time Volunteer
Special Olympics is one of the most exciting movements today, combining sports with the opportunity to interact with athletes who possess one or more handicapping conditions. While, no doubt all of us vary in our experience level with Special Olympians, some of us may be very new when it comes to interacting with children and adults with mental retardation.
1) Remember the Golden Rule? Handicapped people and people without visible handicaps are more alike than different. If you are unsure how to respond to a person with a disability, ask yourself how you would want someone to treat you. If you follow through, you can't go wrong.
2) Both children and adults compete in the Special Olympics programs. Remember than an adult Olympian is an adult. This will influence the way you will want to relate to him or her, as well as the language you use. When in doubt, talk about the "athletes" or "Olympians" rather than the "kids".
3) Talk with the athletes in the same way you would with any other person. Use conversational tone, give the individual eye contact and let the person know that you are interested in the discussion with him or her. Always assume the person understands what you are saying to, or about, him or her.
4) Enjoy your interactions with the athletes as you go about your volunteer duties, but don't be afraid to ask coaches or other volunteers for help if you see a problem occurring.
5) Enjoy the warm interactions that are part of the Special Olympics experience, but don't be afraid to establish limits. You will find that most of the athletes whom you meet are very friendly and will enjoy your attention. Along with fun, we try to encourage behavior that is appropriate to athletic events. Just remember that behavior that is not appropriate among non-handicapped persons is not appropriate among persons with handicaps either.
6) As a volunteer, you will want to do everything you can to respect the dignity of the athletes that you will meet. That's probably as important as anything else you will do in these games.
7) Above all, relax and enjoy yourself. Get to know as many of the athletes as you can and enjoy their achievements with them. The more people you see, the more you (and they) will enjoy the event.
1) Remember the Golden Rule? Handicapped people and people without visible handicaps are more alike than different. If you are unsure how to respond to a person with a disability, ask yourself how you would want someone to treat you. If you follow through, you can't go wrong.
2) Both children and adults compete in the Special Olympics programs. Remember than an adult Olympian is an adult. This will influence the way you will want to relate to him or her, as well as the language you use. When in doubt, talk about the "athletes" or "Olympians" rather than the "kids".
3) Talk with the athletes in the same way you would with any other person. Use conversational tone, give the individual eye contact and let the person know that you are interested in the discussion with him or her. Always assume the person understands what you are saying to, or about, him or her.
4) Enjoy your interactions with the athletes as you go about your volunteer duties, but don't be afraid to ask coaches or other volunteers for help if you see a problem occurring.
5) Enjoy the warm interactions that are part of the Special Olympics experience, but don't be afraid to establish limits. You will find that most of the athletes whom you meet are very friendly and will enjoy your attention. Along with fun, we try to encourage behavior that is appropriate to athletic events. Just remember that behavior that is not appropriate among non-handicapped persons is not appropriate among persons with handicaps either.
6) As a volunteer, you will want to do everything you can to respect the dignity of the athletes that you will meet. That's probably as important as anything else you will do in these games.
7) Above all, relax and enjoy yourself. Get to know as many of the athletes as you can and enjoy their achievements with them. The more people you see, the more you (and they) will enjoy the event.