Special Olympics is sports in its truest form. The Special Olympics Oath says it all! The rules accommodate all levels of athletic ability and enable participants to compete against athletes of similar skills so that all have a fair chance to win an event.
Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy, Special Olympics now exists in 146 countries, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories.
Who can participate in Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is for men, women and children eight years old and older with mental retardation or a closely related developmental disability. Participants may or may not have a physical handicap.
When did Special Olympics Louisiana begin?
Special Olympics Louisiana began in 1968 when 15 athletes from the Belle Chasse State School attended and competed in the first International Special Olympics games in Chicago. Currently, more than 12, 000 mentally retarded children and adults in Louisiana participate in more than 100 local competitions in the 11 SOL Areas and four state-level competitions.
What is the local program like?
Terrebonne Parish Special Olympics came into existence in 1995, when the Terrebonne Parish Council appropriated monies for the program and placed it under the Parks and Recreation Department. Now the mentally retarded citizens of Terrebonne Parish can receive recreational opportunities, just like "normal" children and adults receive throughout the parish.
Local athletes compete on the local level, area level and state level. Athletes participate in each of the four state-level games: Fall Classic, State Indoor Games, State Summer Games, and Unified Games.
Athletes also have the opportunity to participate in their own bowling league, Special Superstars.
Terrebonne Parish Special Olympics continues to grow and expand in providing the mentally handicapped citizens of our parish the recreational opportunities they deserve. If you would like more information, please contact Vickie Armstrong, Special Olympics Coordinator at 873-6585.
Not all of our Athletes participate in the state games. Terrebonne has 196 Athletes who participate in our many events. Our total number of partners is 54, which participate in bowling, basketball, softball, and volleyball. We also have 40 coaches who coach at least one sport each season.
