Special Olympics Australia

The Paralympic Games are underway in Paris and this is a timely reminder why Special Olympics is different...but also very similar in our belief that sport can change lives. Good luck to all athletes selected to compete in Paris. 💚 💛

Attention Special Olympics Australia clubs. Disability Sports Australia invites you to host an activation at your local Westfield during the Paralympic Games. Westfield destinations are transforming into official Live Sites during the Games. These sites will have an Inclusive Sport Zone to raise awareness of local programs for people with disability. Find out more, including participating Westfield locations, at https://lnkd.in/gETe22ys

Traditionally, sport in Australia has been delivered under the guidance of the NSO-led model. However, new providers have a role to play to get more Australians active in more places, more often. The Australian Sports Commission's Play Well national participation strategy was designed with industry input, including NSOs and NSODs like Special Olympics Australia. Play Well recognises that everyone has a place in sport. Enabling ‘Affiliates’ to help achieve that outcome recognises the important role they play in creating positive sporting experiences and fostering lifelong involvement. The time for evolution is upon us and Special Olympics Australia is on the journey! 👇 Find out more about the ASC’s Affiliate program.

In 200 days, 14 Aussie athletes supported by 8 volunteer officials, will have their time to shine at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.   From 8-16 March 2025, 1,500 athletes with intellectual disability/autism from 103 delegations will compete in Turin, Italy.     Team Australia will compete in Alpine skiing and snowboarding. For most athletes this will be their debut at a World Winter Games and they need to raise $14,000 to get there. To show your support, donate here - https://lnkd.in/gk4Q62zY

Special Olympics Australia is seeking volunteer members to join our National Selection Committee. The committee is responsible for the selection and appointment of athletes and officials for international sporting events. The aim is to ensure that selections are conducted professionally, transparently and comply with the rules of Special Olympics International. Position Description - https://ow.ly/k2zM50SXk69 Expression of Interest - https://ow.ly/a2xI50SXk68

Last weekend's inaugural Polar Plunge Oceania proved its champion status as the new go-to annual charity event! Hundreds of people across Australia and New Zealand got freezin' for a reason - to raise funds, have fun and help Special Olympics Australia bring sport, joy and inclusion to more people with intellectual disability/autism...and it was all over the news! If you missed it, it will be back bigger and better next year. In the meantime, take a look at the action inspired by our hosts and great supporters at Law Enforcement Torch Run Action👉 https://ow.ly/hWAo50SQSFI Donations can still be made at https://ow.ly/FHfs50SQSFJ

This weekend, our friends at Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics have hosted six Polar Plunges across the country...and raised over $240k for our cause! This will allow Special Olympics Australia to bring sport, joy and inclusion to more people with intellectual disability/autism in more places, more often. It's a life-changing gift. You can support here https://ow.ly/zvPf50SQFtm

This weekend over 700 hundred people are freezin' for a reason - to raise funds so Special Olympics Australia can bring sport, joy and inclusion to more people with intellectual disability/autism. Our supporters are going to feel the chill as they dive into winter waters, but the end result will warm souls. Please support, if you can at https://ow.ly/XJsS50SQt6l Polar Plunge is an initiative of our good friends at Law Enforcement Torch Run and our picture shows Special Olympics Victoria athletes are ready to be cold and bold!

It's an exciting time to join Special Olympics Australia as CEO Pierre Comis leads the roll-out of a new Strategic Plan, and we look ahead to our National Games in 2026, a year when we will also celebrate our 50-year anniversary. Take a look at these two rewarding roles that will see us bring joy, sport and inclusion to more people with intellectual disability/autism. Find out more: National Games Director - https://ow.ly/poWR50SOSh7 Training and Educations Manager - https://ow.ly/Nenx50SOSh8

This time next week, hundreds of people will be freezin’ for a reason at the inaugural Oceania Polar Plunge hosted by Law Enforcement Torch Run. Participants will be plunging into icy water to raise money for Special Olympics Australia so we can bring more sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability/autism in more places, more often. Dare to plunge or contribute? All details here - https://ow.ly/wvRB50SLqc8