Special Olympics is the world’s largest athletic organization for people with disabilities, and with opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved, the Northeast Florida branch is making a big difference for the disabled and their able-bodied peers.
Jessica Ray is the developmental director for Special Olympics Northeast Florida, originally serving as director for Duval County.
“I worked for three years recruiting athletes, volunteers, coaches, and community partners, introducing them to the program and working to enhance the quality of our sports programming,” she told Jacksonville Mom. “I recently stepped in as the development director for Northeast Florida because after meeting the athletes that we serve and seeing all they have accomplished, I feel led to share their amazing stories of triumph with our community so we can reach more families, volunteers, and donors.”
Currently, Special Olympics Northeast Florida serves over 1,600 people, with the goal of growing to serve another 1,000 over the next several years. While Special Olympics is known for their athletic competitions, there is more available than people might realize. One of the programs offered is afterschool care.
“We have programming starting at age 2, with competitive opportunities starting at age 8 for anyone diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD),” Ray explained. “Half of our participants are part of programs offered during the day at area schools and daycares. There is no age limit for our programs, so for those outside of school age, or for those whose school does not yet offer our programming, we have community sports programs that practice in the evening or on Saturdays in multiple areas of the city, all free of charge.”
Special Olympics Northeast Florida also offers health programming for people with intellectual disabilities, which is an area of major need.
“Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with IDD are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population,” Ray said. “We work to improve access and healthcare at event-based health screenings, we make referrals to local health practitioners when appropriate, we train healthcare professionals about the needs of people with IDD, and we advocate for improved health policies and programs for this population as well.”
Of course, athletics are the main focus of Special Olympics, and Special Olympics Northeast Florida doesn’t show up short in that area, either. They offer 15 different sports across four seasons, including track and field, soccer, bowling, football, surfing, powerlifting, golf, and gymnastics.
Ray explained, “Each sport begins with 8-12 weeks of training and then has a minimum of two competitions: County and Area, and if an individual or team wins at Area, they may be chosen to advance to State Games, USA Games or World Games from there.”
Basketball is the latest sport about to start. “We have programming for all ability levels from working on individual skills to full team play,” Ray said. “Right now, there are needs for coaches and assistant coaches, Unified partners and of course, we are always seeking more athletes who wish to participate. Programming will begin across Jacksonville mid-October with competitions at the Jax Ice & Sportsplex on Nov. 23 and Dec. 14.”
One of the most important things for people with disabilities is inclusion, and Special Olympics Northeast Florida is leading the way with a movement designed to break down barriers in health and education through sports.
“We call this movement Unified Sports and this programming promotes social inclusion by bringing together people with and without IDD on sports teams,” Ray said. “Any neuro-typical athlete over the age of 8 can join one of our teams and play at our competitions, travel with our athletes and promote a world of respect. Of the 15 sports we offer, 11 are Unified.”
Volunteering is another opportunity for able-bodied people to get involved, especially for young kids, as there is no age limit! Kids under the age of 15 need an adult to accompany them, and anyone is welcome to cheer Special Olympians on in the stands. And the more people Special Olympics is able to reach, the better the greater community will be.
“Special Olympics spreads compassion and acceptance in a way that can unite the world. Our goal is to awaken our community to each person’s common humanity. We bring people together by seeing and taking part in the transformative power of sports. Our programming is free and for all abilities,” Ray shared. “Through sports, we showcase the skills and dignity of our athletes. We know the odds our athletes must overcome and the barriers they face every single day. We see this at training events and competitions as our athletes push to beat their personal bests — and exceed them. Their stories and successes inspire us all, but we need to be reaching more athletes!”
On October 20, Special Olympics Northeast Florida will be hosting a low-sensory bowling fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Event Entertainment. Tickets are just $25 at the door, and include breakfast, bowling, and arcade time. For more information, visit the Special Olympics Northeast Florida website.
