Using Existing Special Olympics Resources to Enhance Key Workers’ Ability to Implement Exercise Programming

Care providers who work with, and support, people with intellectual disabilities often lack knowledge about physical activity implementation and may be unaware of existing resources and organizations to support participation. There are many specifically designed, and readily available, physical activity resources for people with intellectual disabilities, including those freely provided by Special Olympics Canada. This project aims to bridge several gaps between community-based care providers and Special Olympics. Through this project, we will raise awareness of Special Olympics and the physical activity resources that Special Olympics provides. Through training, we will also enhance care providers’ confidence and competence to implement physical activity with people with intellectual disabilities. Through this project we will show community-based care providers that Special Olympics is an organization that can serve their clients’ needs, which in turn may predispose those care providers to suggest and facilitate enrolment in Special Olympics among their clients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Viviene Temple

Student:

Partner:

Special Olympics Canada

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Arts, entertainment and recreation; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Victoria

Program: