2018

1. 2018

2. Mission of Special Olympics To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

3. Special Olympics was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Louisiana had 11 athletes from Belle Chasse State School participate in athletics & swimming.

4. Special Olympics Louisiana Today • 15,106 individuals with intellectual disabilities • 18,000 volunteers statewide! • Approximately 100 competitions a year!

5. 2018-2022 Mission Growth Grow athlete base from 15,000 to 17,000. Be a change organization by building Inclusive Communities Explore new challenges: provide athletes with more opportunities and training for greater participation within the Special Olympics movement. 2017-2022 Revenue Growth Champions for 50 initiative to culminate with a 50th anniversary celebration. 50 leaders and 50 athletes will be paired to help celebrate our first 50 years. Be a change organization by growing an Inclusive Fundraising platform.

6. Help us spread the word! Facebook: Special Olympics Louisiana Twitter: @SOLouisiana Instagram: @specialolympicslouisiana Linkedin: Special Olympics Louisiana www.laso.org

7. Reputable Organization • Recognized by the International Olympic Committee • Named 1 of the 100 Best Charities in America by Worth Magazine • Most Creditable organization according to the Chronicles of Philanthropy • Largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities. • 97% brand recognition • Ranked #1 as Organization with the Greatest Impact for People with Disabilities by Philanthropedia • 50% more Special Olympics athletes have jobs than their counterparts with intellectual disabilities who do not participate.

8. We are a Worldwide Movement • 170+ countries • 4.5 million athletes • 1.4 million volunteers • 94,000 + competitions

9. Special Olympics International, Inc. Special Olympics North America International Olympic Committee Special Olympics Louisiana (other chapter programs) Subprograms (Areas) Local Programs Athletes/Coaches/Families Organizational Setup

10. Special Olympics Louisiana has 13 areas. AC - Acadiana BY - Bayouland CA - Capital CN - Cenla DE - Delta FP - Florida Parishes JF - Jefferson NC - North Central NE - North East NW - North West OR - Orleans RR - Red River SW - Southwest NE NW NC RR CN FP AC CA OR SW BY JF DE

11. More than sports Young Athletes Motor Activity Training Athlete Leadership Family Support Network Get Into It Healthy Athletes Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Special Olympics Unified Sports Sports & Competition

12. We couldn’t do it without • Law Enforcement Torch Run • Civic Groups • Individual Donations • Corporations/Foundations • State of Louisiana • Similar Organizations • In-Kind Donations • VOLUNTEERS! Together, we raise approximately 3 million dollars a year to provide our programs.

13. State Indoor Games 2018 • 389 Athletes participated • 55 Unified Partners • 124 Coaches • 431 Volunteers The 2018 State Indoor Games was held March 2-3, 2018!

14. State Summer Games 2018 • 700 Athletes registered • 150 Unified Partners • 180 Coaches • 500 Volunteers The 2018 State Summer Games will be held May 18-20, 2018!

15. State Fall Classic 2017 • 594 Athletes • 155 Unified Partners • 198 Coaches • 512 Volunteers The 2018 State Fall Classic will be held October 19-21, 2018!

16. What sets us apart • No fees charged to athletes • Sports opportunities for all ability levels • Division for equitable competition • Awards for all participants • Follow rules for advancement to higher levels of competition We are the ONLY organization that provides these types of services.

17. Why we do it • Promote awareness of self worth • Increase employment abilities • Strength building • Boost socialization skills • Enhance self-esteem & confidence • Build coordination skills • Improve family understanding • Introduction to sports & competitions

18. Who can do it • Everyoneis challenged in their mindset, stereotypes and misperceptions of people with intellectual disabilities • Athletes gain life benefits that transcend to the playing field • Families experience joy & comfort through acceptance & inclusion • Coaches and Volunteers are afforded life altering experiences Our programs provide individuals and supporters real, tangible evidence their contribution makes a difference.

19. Sports & Competition • Opportunities regardless of gender, age or ability • Rules accommodate all athletic abilities • Participants compete against athletes of similar skills • All have a fair chance to win • Aquatics • Athletics • Badminton • Basketball • Bocce • Bowling • Cycling • Equestrian • Flag Football • Golf • Horseshoes • Powerlifting • Softball • Tennis • Volleyball Training available in many more…

20. Competition Advancement SO World Games SO USA Games Regional & Invitational Events State Level Competition Area Competition Parish Competition Local Level Competition

21. How can the Knights help? • Exemplify the core principle, Charity, by helping persons with intellectual disabilities through volunteerism. • Act as a coach at local, area, district and/or state events. • Host fundraisers. • Sponsor social activities. • Organize donation drives. • Stamp out the “R” word!!

22. How will your council benefit? • Earn points towards State Deputy Award-Special Olympics • Develop networking opportunities and share best practices with fellow councils. • Gain exposure of the core principles and services demonstrated to your church and community. • Experience love and compassion for helping those in need.

24. PLAY. COACH. VOLUNTEER. DONATE. WIN! 1000 East Morris Avenue, Hammond, LA 70403 1-800-345-6644www.laso.org Follow us on: