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- It is estimated that between 0.7 and 3.0 per cent of the Canadian population has an intellectual disability. Based on these figures, there are likely upwards of 10,000 individuals with an intellectual disability in London.
- To be eligible for participation in Special Olympics an individual with a intellectual disability must agree to observe and abide by the Special Olympics Canada Sport Rules.
- An intellectual disability is defined as: an individual who experiences substantial limitations in present functioning. It is characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas including communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work. An intellectual disability manifests before age 18.
- Special Olympics Athletes play winter and summer sports in recreation and competitive programs. Competitive athletes have an opportunity to compete in regional competitions, then provincial, then national, then world.
- In London, over 400 athletes compete in:
Summer sports
Soccer, 5 pin bowling, 10 pin bowling, basketball, power lifting, track & field (athletics), rhythmic & martial gymnastics, swimming, softball, t-ball, golf, and bocce
Soccer, 5 pin bowling, 10 pin bowling, basketball, power lifting, track & field (athletics), rhythmic & martial gymnastics, swimming, softball, t-ball, golf, and bocce
Winter sports
Floor hockey, curling, alpine skiing, figure skating, speed skating, and snowshoeing
- Special Olympics follows the same structure as the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has only granted the right to use the word ‘Olympics” to one other organization other than the Olympics: Special Olympics.
