Special Olympics Global Structure
International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Special Olympics Organization (SOI):
The Olympic Movement is a coordinated, organized, global and permanent action carried out under the general supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and under the auspices of all individuals and entities inspired by the Olympic values. This event covers the five continents of the world and culminates in the great sporting festivals, the Olympic Games, symbolized by the five intertwined rings. Participation in sport is a human right. The Olympic spirit states that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in physical activity and sport without any discrimination, which requires mutual respect and altruism, solidarity and fair play. Sports organizations active in the Olympic Movement must have independent rights and obligations, which include the establishment and supervision of sports laws, the determination of the structure and administration of the organization under their supervision. Any discrimination in a country or against a person on the grounds of race, religion, politics and sex is contrary to the Olympic Movement and joining the Olympic Movement requires compliance with the Olympic Charter and recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The largest and highest level of sports competitions in the world are held at the Olympics, and the International Olympic Committee can be called the most prestigious sports organization in the world. The use of the word and Olympic emblem anywhere in the world must be done with the permission of this organization. Accordingly, on February 15, 1988, the International Olympic Committee concluded an agreement with the Special Olympics International (SOI), according to which it recognized the Special Olympics in the development of sports activities for people with intellectual and intellectual disabilities around the world. The recognition of the Special Olympics by the International Olympic Committee makes the use of the Olympic emblem by this organization legal and official. The International Olympic Committee introduces three organizations in the list of approved organizations in the field of sports and disabilities on its website. These three organizations include the Special Olympics, the Paralympics, and the International Deaf Sports Association.
Special Olympics' relationship with other reputable sports organizations worldwide:
Special Olympics has entered into agreements with international sports organizations to develop sports activities worldwide, including the International Student Sports Federation, the International Softball Federation, the International Powerlifting Federation, the International Football Federation, the International Badminton Federation, the International Bowling Federation, the European Golf Association, the European Table Tennis Union, the International Volleyball Federation, the International Federation for Adaptive Physical Activity, the International Olympic Academy, the European Gymnastics Federation, the European Swimming Federation, the International Floorball Federation, the European Basketball League, the European Volleyball Confederation, and dozens of other reputable organizations. The text of all of the above agreements is available online.
Difference between Special Olympics and Paralympics
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations, both recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Both organizations operate as non-governmental organizations to develop sports for people with disabilities. However, Special Olympics and Paralympics differ in three areas: a- The athletes targeted by these two organizations are in different categories of disabilities. In Special Olympics, people of all ability levels can participate in competitions and games. b- The criteria and philosophy for which athletes exercise. In Special Olympics, the philosophy is participation, integration into society, respect and health promotion. c- Their organizational structure. In Special Olympics, there are sports and non-sports sections (multifaceted program) and Special Olympics is not just one sport.
A) Differences in athletes
Special Olympics athletes are all individuals with intellectual disability (ID) or intellectual disability at any level of ability (age 8 and up for competitions and competitions, and in recent years, programs for children ages 2-8 have also been expanding) who participate in Special Olympics activities. These athletes train and compete in 36 sports similar to those in the Olympics and can include athletes with intellectual disability, cognitive delay, or developmental disorder that limits general learning and adaptive skills (although some may also have physical disabilities). In the Games, athletes are placed in groups based on their ability level and age. However, the Paralympics are for athletes who fall into six categories of disabilities: amputees, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, visually impaired, wheelchair users, and another category that includes people with disabilities who do not fit into these six categories (Les Autres). To participate in the Paralympic Games, individuals must meet certain criteria and are selected according to specific standards. The Special Olympics and the Paralympics are two separate organizations, both recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Both organizations operate as non-governmental organizations to develop sports for people with disabilities. However, the Special Olympics and the Paralympics differ in three areas: a- The athletes targeted by these two organizations are in different categories of disabilities. In the Special Olympics, people of all ability levels can participate in competitions and games. b- The criteria and philosophy for which athletes exercise. In the Special Olympics, the philosophy is participation, integration into society, respect, and health promotion. c- Their organizational structure. In the Special Olympics, there are sports and non-sports sections (multifaceted program), and the Special Olympics is not just one sport.
B) Differences in philosophy of participating in sports activities
Special Olympics believes that all people of all abilities can benefit from physical activity and sports, and no athlete is excluded because of their records or ability level. Of course, to ensure fairness in sports competitions, people are divided into groups based on their ability. For Special Olympics athletes, success is achieved when an individual reaches their full potential, and the goal is for athletes to be enthusiastic about participating in the program. However, the Paralympics are primarily for athletic activities at championship and higher levels, and individuals must meet high standards of skill to participate in these competitions (elite athletes).
C) Differences in structure
Special Olympics is a global movement in the world of sports for people with intellectual and intellectual disabilities, focused on creating a global network of athletes of all abilities to create inclusive, accepting and dignified societies for these people. Special Olympics provides sports, training and games for its athletes in a very broad structure in more than 190 countries around the world and in 36 sports similar to the Olympics. Decision-making is made at the local, national, regional and global levels. The Paralympics is governed by the International Paralympic Committee and is based on the principles of championships. The Paralympics is represented in more than 165 countries around the world and decisions in this organization are made by the General Assembly.