About
What is Special Olympics Flagler County?
Special Olympics Flagler County provides training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for over 100 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Activities exist for those of all ability levels. Anyone may participate if they meet the eligibility criteria of having an intellectual disability or a similar development disability and are 8 years of age or older. There is no upper age limit for participation.
Training:
Special Olympics Flagler County is founded on the philosophy that quality training is crucial to success in sports. Comprehensive year-round training and competition is available to every athlete, conducted by dedicated volunteer coaches.
We offer training and competition in 10 different team and individual sports. These athletes are trained by 13 volunteer coaches.
Games:
Special Olympics Flagler County offers ongoing training and sports competitions held at county and area level, culminating in State Games. The State Games feature Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the lights of the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope,” awards ceremonies and a variety of social activities that are modeled after the Olympics Games. Over 200 County area and state level games and tournaments are held each year in communities throughout the state.
Sports:
Aquatics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian Sports, Powlerlifting, Soccer, Tennis and Track & Field
Alps:
Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPS) allow athletes to explore opportunities for Special Olympics participation in roles previously considered “non-traditional.” Our athletes are serving as board members, staff members and local/area committee members, volunteers, and much more! One such opportunity is being a Global Messenger: a self-advocacy program where athletes are trained in public speaking and raise public awareness about Special Olympics.
Funding:
Our athletes are given opportunities to participate without regard to economic, demographic, religious, or social factors. Neither athletes nor parents are charged a fee to participate in the program. This is crucial, as many of our participants live at or below the poverty level. We rely upon the generosity of individual and corporate contribution. Special Olympics Flagler County is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
