2015 Fall Games Volunteer Orientation
Welcome to Special Olympics Southern California
Thank you for offering your time to Special Olympics, Southern California
(SOSC) . SOSC would not exist today without the energy and enthusiasm of its
volunteers. The time commitment for volunteers varies from a few hours per
year at specific events to working several hours a week year-round. Whatever
your interests, talents, background and availability, there are volunteer
opportunities for you.
Thank you for taking the time to go through this orientation. It will give you a
better understanding of the organization, our goals and will give you an
introduction to the community we serve.
Who We Are
Special Olympics Southern California is a nonprofit organization
that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become
physically fit, productive and respected members of society
through sports training and competition.
SOSC is one of 52 Chapters within the United States and is part of
Special Olympics, Inc., which serves nearly 4.4 million athletes in
more than 170 countries worldwide.
Click here to watch our inspirational video
The mission of Special Olympics…
is 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.
Fall Games
Fall Games is one of two championship games held every year in SOSC. More than 1,100
athletes from 9 Regions throughout Southern California will compete in the following
sports at Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park, Irvine Lanes (Bowling) and
The Rinks-Huntington Beach (Floor Hockey):
Bowling, Floor Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball
Volunteer Roles At
Fall Games
Over 1,000 volunteers like yourself give their time over two days in the
following areas:
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Venue Competition
Competition Awards
Meal Services
Athlete Dance
Volunteer check-in
Boutique sales
Evaluation Team
Info Booth
Healthy Athletes
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Festival
Games Organizing Committee
Games Management Team
Honored Guest
Photography
Videography
Interns
Medical Team
Security
Family Pavilion
When you arrive at volunteer check-in
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Please make sure to arrive on time. You do not need to arrive earlier than the
time that is stated on your shift. Instructions pertaining to your shift will be given
out at your assigned venue. If you are late there is a chance your volunteer
position will be given to another individual.
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Please make sure to bring a form of I.D. with you to the Volunteer Registration.
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You will not be able to volunteer without checking in and getting your
credentials.
IMPORTANT NOTE
• Due to volunteers playing a integral part in the athletes competition and Fall
Games in whole, we ask you to be present for your entire shift. Leaving earlier
than the “end time” of your shift can have an affect on the athletes competition
flow and schedule. We thank you for your time and commitment to serving the
athletes of Southern California!
Volunteer Guidelines
• As a volunteer in any capacity, you represent SOSC to the
participants, the families, the general public and the media.
• No matter what your volunteer assignment, it is critical that you
conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Please remember to wear your credentials at all times and follow
instructions provided by your assigned leader.
• All Athlete participation deserves recognition regardless of their
place or finish.
• Please do not try to "train" or "coach" the Athletes. They have
been working with their coaches for weeks for this event and
are looking to them for guidance.
• If volunteering at a competition, do not interfere in any way with
any event. An athlete may be disqualified.
What is an Intellectual Disability
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Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in
cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care
skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or
differently than a typically developing child. Intellectual disability can happen any
time before a child turns 18 years old, even before birth.
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Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability.
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Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual
disability.
Sources: American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; National Center on Birth Defects and
Developmental Disabilities; the United Nations Development Program; and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Volunteer Terminology
• Please do not use the word “the” in front of Special Olympics unless describing
a specific Special Olympics event or competition.
• Avoid the use of the phrase “intellectually disabled”. Refer to Athletes as
people with intellectual disabilities OR as “Special Olympics Athletes”. We
cannot use the phrase “Special Olympians.”
• Avoid using the term “kids” when referring to the Athletes. Adult athletes are
an integral part of the programs and events.
Working with Special Olympics Athletes at
Fall Games
People with intellectual disabilities and those without intellectual disabilities are
more alike than different. If you're unsure of how to respond to a person with an
intellectual disability, ask yourself how you would want someone to treat you. Both
adults and children compete in Special Olympics events. Adults should be treated as
adults. Use the term "athletes" when speaking about our competitors. Talk with the
athletes the same way you would with anyone else. Use conversational tone and eye
contact. Let the person know that you are interested in him or her. Most of the
athletes you will meet are very friendly and will enjoy your attention, but it is also
important to encourage appropriate behavior. Behavior that is not appropriate among
persons WITHOUT disabilities is also not appropriate among persons WITH disabilities.
Enjoy the interactions that are part of the Special Olympic experience, but don't be
afraid to establish limits.
Lastly, please remove the "R"- word from your general vocabulary as it is a
derogatory word towards our amazing athletes. Please check-out www.r-word.org for
information on this campaign.
Thank You!
Fall Games would not be possible without the support of volunteers like
you! We sincerely thank you for your time, commitment and enthusiasm.