Program Description
Special Olympics is an international organization that gives individuals with mental challenges the opportunity to participate in athletics. Through practices and competitions, they can improve their physical health, build interpersonal relationships, and gain self-esteem. At Dartmouth, you can volunteer for Special Olympics through weekly bowling trips and regional competitions.
- Bowling: We go bowling every Tuesday afternoon with Special Olympics athletes from the area at Upper Valley Lanes & Games in White River Junction, VT. In addition, we participate in a state-wide unified bowling tournament every winter.
- Winter Games: Special Olympics Upper Valley just held its 3rd annual regional Winter Games in 2005. The Games take place at the Dartmouth Skiway, and about 100 Dartmouth students come out on the day of the event to volunteer as starters, timers, guides, and various other jobs.
- Summer Games: May 21st, 2005 will mark the first Upper Valley Regional Summer Games, and the event has been organized by a management team composed of 15 Dartmouth students. Get involved by volunteering on the day of the event, or consider taking a management team position for next year's Games.
- The future: Special Olympics at Dartmouth has grown unbelievably in 2004/2005. With your help, we can continue to expand our program by coaching new sports like basketball and/or volleyball on a weekly basis. Or perhaps you'd be interested in pulling together a management team with Special Olympics Upper Valley put together their first Fall Games!
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." -- Special Olympics oath
Focus Areas
Working with people with mental challenges; Athletics; Event-planning
Community Partners
Time Commitment
Varies. Bowling is about 3 hours/week, and you can come as often as you like. Regional games are a one-day commitment of about 6 hours. Summer Games Management team is about a 4-month commitment of a few hours a week, varying depending on your position.
Contact
Email Special.Olympics@dartmouth.edu
|
