“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
-Special Olympics Athlete Oath
February 23, 2009
One of the most difficult aspects I have encountered while volunteering with the Special Olympics is regarding funding. The program is very large and serves more than 2.5 million athletes, representing 180 countries, with 550,000 hailing from the U.S.
Like all non-profits, the program has limited resources. The lack of funding has a profound effect on the quality of training that coaches are able to provide each athlete. While not as apparent in soccer, many sports such as floor hockey and skiing require more funding for the athletes to participate.
In floor hockey, each athlete is required to use a stick and helmet, but for safety reasons should have shin guards and gloves as well. While athletes must purchase the basic equipment including shin guards and athletic shoes, much of the required safety equipment is furnished by Special Olympics. While the organization ensures that all athletes have helmets, it is often the case that athletes play without optional equipment like gloves.
While our team had all of the required equipment, we did not have nets to shoot on until we moved to a new facility in Laguna Hills. Having nets was a welcomed improvement for all of the athletes and significantly expanded the drills that the coaches were able to run. As a result, there was a clear improvement in the skills of each athlete.
Participation in Special Olympics is offered to every athlete entirely free of charge. I have seen the program improve the social, psychological, and physical lives of each athlete. All of the coaches and staff members contribute their time towards achieving this goal, but we cannot do it alone.
Without funding, the quality of service decreases markedly. Many local programs have had to completely eliminate local competitions due to a lack of funding. Competitions serve as a social event for the athletes, as well as an opportunity for them to test their skills and compete against other teams in front of their peers. Competitions stand as the focal point for each athlete, and they look forward to them each season. Fortunately, the Orange County region will have competitions in 2009, but has had to cut spending in a number of important areas.
Tip-A-Cop is one of the leading fundraising events by Law Enforcement Torch Run. Held at Applebee’s, Claim Jumper, and Yard House restaurants, law enforcement officers wait on tables and donate their tips to Special Olympics. These events provide an important source of funding for the program and are an easy and fun way for individuals to help make a difference.
Whether you are able to donate your time or money, we need your continued support to keep making a difference in the lives of each athlete. Please contact me directly, or visit one of the linked websites above for more information on how you can become involved.