Special Olympics, Southern California is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition." (S.O.S.C. 450) Their mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with various levels of intellectual disabilities. .
Primary Objectives.
This organization provides an opportunity for these individuals to advance physical fitness and reveal valor. Within the Special Olympics community participants and staff are able to experience joy through the sharing of gifts, friendships and by showcasing their skills. .
Observations.
LARC Ranch - Rhythmic Gymnastics.
LARC Ranch is a group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This specific division was non-ambulatory, so they perform their routine in a chair or their own wheelchair. Four members of this facility have made a continuous commitment for the past 15 years to compete in the annual Special Olympics games. These ladies fall under the Baby Boomer generations and beyond. There were two men that would make the Wednesday evening practices, every once in a while, but were unable to fully commit to the team officially. The underlying demeanor of the Special Olympics organization is a person-first approach by allowing extra time for that individual to make his or her own choice. .
Within the rhythmic gymnastic program there are four categories of skills that need to be established; i.e. the hula-hoop, the rope, the ball and the ribbon. The routines that each participant learns are demonstrated through a video. Each participant has various restrictions that create a conflict when it comes to completing an entire routine. Other participants did not seem to have a problem with physically completing the routine, but emotions would sometimes play a role of conflict.
