Special Olympics World Games 2015

PROMOTION

THE HISTORY FROM A BACKYARD SUMMER CAMP TO A GLOBAL MOVEMENT, SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAS BEEN CHANGING LIVES AND ATTITUDES FOR OVER 50 YEARS wanted to have fun just like every other kid.

Camp Shriver continued and Å V\YPZOLK \W [V [OL WVPU[ ^OLU something grander and more farreaching replaced it. But it was HU PTWVY[HU[ Ä YZ[ Z[LW :OYP]LY»Z vision and drive for justice eventually grew into the Special Olympics movement. The mission evolved into year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving opportunities to develop physical Ä [ULZZ KLTVUZ[YH[L JV\YHNL experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. ;OL Ä YZ[ PU[LYUH[PVUHS :WLJPHS Olympics World Games was held at Soldier Field in Chicago in the summer of 1968. A thousand athletes from the U.S. and Canada competed in track HUK Ä LSK HUK Z^PTTPUN 5V^ held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, the World Games feature multiple Olympic-style sports and are [OL Å HNZOPW L]LU[ VM [OL :WLJPHS Olympics movement.

On July 25 to August 2, the World Games will come to Los Angeles—the place where Shriver’s older brother President John F. Kennedy accepted the 1960 Democratic nomination at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and referred to the city as “the place where everything PZ WVZZPISL ¹ 0U H [V^U ^OLYL movie stars and all-stars are everywhere, the athletes with intellectual disabilities will be the ones to watch and admire.

200 million Approximate number of individuals with intellectually disabilities in the world today 4.4 million Athletes

competing globally in accredited Special Olympics programs each year

1.5 million Dedicated

Special Olympics volunteers around the world

500,000 Spectators expected for the 2015 World Games; millions more worldwide expected to watch P[ [LSL]PZLK VU ,:75 81,000 Special Olympics competitions globally each year, an average of 222 per day

The late Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the 2007 Games in Shanghai, China

7,000 & 3,000 Athletes and coaches, respectively, expected to participate in the 2015 World Games, representing over 170 nations

PHOTO: SPECIAL OLYMPICS

I

n 1957, Eunice Kennedy Shriver took over direction of her family’s charitable organization— The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation—and began pushing for swifter progress in helping people with intellectual disabilities. Shriver saw how unjustly and unfairly they were treated. Many children with intellectual disabilities didn’t even have a place to play. In June 1962, Shriver held a summer day camp at her Maryland farm. With about 35 young people and a couple dozen counselors, Camp Shriver was born.

Shriver’s goal was to learn what these children could do in sports and other activities rather than dwell on what they could not do. To almost everyone’s surprise, except Shriver, it was an instant success. The children swam, kicked soccer balls, shot baskets, and rode horses under the summer sun. As Shriver predicted, the children were UV[ ¸KPMÄ J\S[ ¹ ¸\U[LHJOHISL ¹ ¸ILSSPNLYLU[ ¹ VY HU` VM [OL V[OLY stereotypes that had been ascribed to them. They merely

BY THE NUMBERS

PROMOTION

one or two Kennedys, you meet all of them. Ethel Kennedy organized athletic fundraising programs, because of our common interests in sports; I became good friends with Ethel and Bob [Robert Kennedy]. I was lucky enough to be invited to spend several summers with the family. When the family sat down in the evenings, part of the conversation was always, “What did you do today to put yourself in a better position to serve, and whom did you help?” What a great lesson! They’re a great family and we’re still close.

Q: Do the words of your

former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden ever spring to mind when you’re involved with Special Olympics athletes?

PHOTO: SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

THE FOREFATHER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND PHILANTHROPIST RAFER JOHNSON TALKS ABOUT HIS ROLE WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, THE KENNEDYS, AND HIS LOVE AFFAIR WITH LOS ANGELES

By Lora Shinn

Q: How did you get involved with Special Olympics?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s sister Rosemary had an intellectual disability. But Mrs. Shriver thought her sister and other people with intellectual disabilities should have the opportunity to be

involved in society with broader experiences instead of being lost in an institution’s dark rooms.

Mrs. Shriver invited me, several athletes, and friends to meet with her. She shared her great vision with us about Special Olympics, and asked us for our input and to share with her our sports expertise. At that moment I was hooked.

I’ve been involved with Special Olympics for 47 years. So many people helped me on my journey.

I couldn’t have accomplished what I did without the backing and support of family, friends, and coaches, along with great opportunities coming to me. I knew I wanted to give something back in a big way. Special Olympics was the perfect place for me to get involved, combining my passion for sports and helping, to make the world a better place.

Q: How did you meet the Kennedy clan?

I had the pleasure of meeting John F. Kennedy when he spoke at UCLA, where I was student body president. Once you meet

Coach would say, “I’m here to prepare you for the challenge,” training you to be the best you can be. These were words we could live by, on the court and in life. Interestingly enough, you’re the only person who knows whether you’re putting everything on the line. Your coach doesn’t know, your family doesn’t really know. Now we didn’t win every game but we never walked off the Å VVY ^P[OV\[ HU HSS V\[ LMMVY[ Through Special Olympics, I’ve learned that sports can mean something more than what I’d previously experienced. At many Special Olympics events, I’ve seen an athlete in a race fall down or slow down. More often than not, another athlete will go back, help [OH[ WLYZVU \W HUK Ä UPZO [OL YHJL together. You never see that in any other sporting competitions.

At every Special Olympics event, there’s something that touches your heart in a special way.

Q: What does it mean to you

to have the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles?

We have an unbelievable community of volunteers, athletes, and coaches worldwide that support Special Olympics, and they will be here in force for World Games. In 1984, one of the greatest Olympic Games took place in Los Angeles, and I believe without any doubt that 2015 will be the greatest Special Olympics event ever brought to a city.

Rafer’s Recommendations His Favorite L.A. Places

For a walk or run: UCLA Campus is beautiful, with woods and running trails all over. Lots of little spots where you can stop and look at art, fountains, or the athletic arenas. ucla.edu/visit, 405 Hilgard Ave., 310.825.4321 For a quick lunch: If you like hot dogs— and I do—Pink’s is a great place. Just mustard, ketchup, and mayo on a turkey dog—that’s my Pink’s. pinkshollywood. com, 709 N. La Brea Ave., 323.931.7594 For a museum: The California AfricanAmerican Museum’s nice paintings depict different periods of time, which my forefathers traveled through.

It’s a good history lesson for both parents and the young person. caamuseum.org, 600 State Dr., 213.744.7432 For a day with kids: My grandson Kory can name all those ancient huge animals at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits. tarpits.org, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., 323.934.7243 For evening entertainment: The Hollywood Bowl has a variety of talent coming in: blues, great female singers, popular singers, classical.

We go with a couple friends and bring a picnic. hollywoodbowl.com, 2301 Highland Ave., 323.850.2000

PROMOTION

AMAZING ATHLETE DEBI ANDERSON’S 17 YEARS AS A SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMPETITOR HAS GIVEN HER THE CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS TO DO “ALMOST ANYTHING”

ne of Anderson's favorite Special Olympics TVTLU[Z ^HZ [OL Ä YZ[ [PTL ZOL Å PWWLK V]LY the high bar in gymnastics: “I never dreamed I could do gymnastics. But I can do it—both rhythmic and artistic. I like wearing the leotards.

I never thought I could wear a uniform like that.” Anderson has also JVTWL[LK PU ZVM[IHSS [YHJR HUK Ä LSK IV^SPUN HUK ]VSSL`IHSS Born and raised in Orange County, Anderson represents Special Olympics Southern California as a global messenger and athlete representative. She is also a board member for the 2015 World Games. Anderson recalls the winter 2013 Games in South Korea as a spectator: “It was one of the most exciting, most inspirational, most incredible events I have ever attended. To be among so many Special Olympics athletes from every part of this world, with everyone smiling, everyone happy, everyone greeting each other no matter what their language, well, it was great. And to think we are going to have that experience right here in Los Angeles, well, that is just awesome and I cannot wait.”

Passionate about working with kids, Anderson, 37, is a teacher’s aide at Rose Drive Elementary School in Yorba Linda through the Real Challenges program, which helps people with special needs Ä UK LTWSV`TLU[ :OL OHZ HSZV HJ[LK HUK KHUJLK PU V]LY ZOV^Z with Stagelight Family Productions in Brea and Whittier.

PROUD PARENT DEBBIE SYLVIA OF TORRANCE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR 38 YEARS—AS A VOLUNTEER, A COACH, AND MOST FONDLY AS A MOTHER

ylvia says the summer 2003 Games in Ireland forever changed her daughter Krystal: “[That’s] where she became fully independent. She actually says this in her global messenger speeches. Going on the plane without family and being in Ireland where she doesn’t stay with family made her completely independent.”

She marvels at how Krystal won a gold medal in singles for the 0[HSPHU NHTL IVJJL! ¸>L ZH^ 2Y`Z[HS SVZL OLY Ä YZ[ NHTL [OLU ^PU her second game, and played the best she has ever played. Krystal HJ[\HSS` SLHYULK [V PTWYV]L OLY NHTL I` ^H[JOPUN OLY Ä YZ[ JVTWL[P[VY HUK K\WSPJH[PUN OLY LMMVY[Z (M[LY OLY Ä YZ[ NHTL 2Y`Z[HS ^VU L]LY` NHTL HM[LY [OH[ 2Y`Z[HS L]LU WSH`LK HNHPUZ[ OLY Ä YZ[ JVTWL[P[VY HNHPU and won.”

Sylvia says the experience of the Opening Ceremony was extremely amazing: “The best was seeing all the athletes walk in from around [OL ^VYSK HUK L]LY`VUL PU [OL Z[HUKZ ^H]PUN Å HNZ ^L ^LYL NP]LU PU various colors for when the athletes entered. A very proud time.”

PHOTO: CORY HANSEN

Her motto: “Nothing is impossible.”

PROMOTION

WORDS MATTER HOW TO TALK ABOUT PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO ENSURE ALL PEOPLE ARE PORTRAYED WITH INDIVIDUALITY AND DIGNITY

THE R-WORD

PHOTOS FROM TOP: DUSTIN JEFFERYS, CORY HANSEN, CADY HERRINGS

SPREADING THE WORD TO END THE WORD he R-word in English—“retarded” or “retard”—was originally used by doctors, psychologists, and other professionals to describe people ^P[O ZPNUPÄ JHU[ intellectual impairments.

Unfortunately, it became a slang insult for someone or something stupid, a slur word used to demean or highlight someone’s lack of ability, and a YLÅ LJ[PVU VM ^OH[ WLVWSL ]PL^ HZ the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.

Up to three percent of the world’s population has intellectual disabilities. This equates to about 200 million people worldwide—the SHYNLZ[ KL]LSVWTLU[HS KPZHIPSP[` population in the world. Special Olympics and other disability VYNHUPaH[PVUZ OH]L \WKH[LK [OLPY

VMÄ JPHS [LYTPUVSVN` [V OLSW KPZWLS ULNH[P]L H[[P[\KLZ HUK Z[LYLV[`WLZ and to utilize more respectful, ¸WLVWSL Ä YZ[¹ SHUN\HNL On October 5, 2010, President Barack Obama officially signed bill S. 2781 into federal law.

Rosa’s Law, which takes its name and inspiration from nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino, YLTV]LZ [OL [LYTZ ¸TLU[HS retardation” and “mentally retarded” from federal health, education, and labor policy and replaces them with people-first language (see column to right.)

Additionally, many states like *HSPMVYUPH OH]L KLJSHYLK HU annual day of awareness to end derogatory use of the R-word.

City officials in Los Angeles look forward to warmly and respectfully welcoming all Special Olympics athletes and their families from around the world to the World Games this summer.

Refer to participants as “Special Olympics athletes” not “Special Olympians” or “Special Olympic athletes.” Also, the words “Special Olympics” refers [V [OL ^VYSK^PKL TV]LTLU[ whereas the “World Games” refers to the international T\S[P ZWVY[ L]LU[ OLSK L]LY` [^V `LHYZ HS[LYUH[PUN between summer and winter.

Do not label Special Olympics athletes as “kids.”

Adult athletes are an integral WHY[ VM [OL TV]LTLU[ Special Olympics athletes are “people with intellectual disabilities” not “intellectually KPZHISLK WLVWSL ¹ ;OL` ¸OH]L¹ intellectual disabilities—they HYL UV[ ¸Z\MMLYPUN ¹ ¸HMÅ PJ[LK ¹ VY ¸]PJ[PTZ ¹ +V UV[ \ZL [OL HKQLJ[P]L “unfortunate” when talking about persons with an intellectual disability.

Disabling conditions do not OH]L [V IL SPML KLÄ UPUN PU H ULNH[P]L ^H` Do not sensationalize the accomplishments of persons with disabilities. While these accomplishments should be recognized and applauded, L_JLZZP]L O`WLYIVSL PZ [V IL discouraged.

Visit www.r-word.org and join the over 510,000 people that have signed: “I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the R-word and pledge to no longer use the word.”

PROMOTION

FANS IN THE STANDS COME BE INSPIRED BY THE 7,000 ATHLETES COMPETING IN 25 SPORTS THROUGHOUT LOS ANGELES, WHERE COMPETITIONS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Sport

Venue

Region of LA

Aquatics

Uytengsu Aquatics Center (USC)

Downtown/LA Metro

Athletics

Loker Stadium/Cromwell Field (USC)

Downtown/LA Metro

Badminton

Los Angeles Convention Center

Downtown/LA Metro

Basketball

Galen Center (USC)

Downtown/LA Metro

Beach Volleyball

Alamitos Beach Volleyball Courts (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Bocce

Los Angeles Convention Center

Downtown/LA Metro

Bowling

Lucky Strike Lanes at LA Live

Downtown/LA Metro

Cycling

Alamitos Beach (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Equestrian

Los Angeles Equestrian Center (Griffith Park)

The Valley

Football (5-a-side)

Intramural Fields (UCLA)

Westside

Football (7-a-side)

Balboa Sports Center (Encino)

The Valley

Football (11-a-side)

Drake Stadium & North Athletic Field (UCLA)

Westside

Golf

Wilson & Harding Golf Courses (Griffith Park)

Hollywood

Gymnastics

John Wooden Center, Collins Court (UCLA)

Westside

Half Marathon

Alamitos Beach (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Handball

Los Angeles Convention Center

Downtown/LA Metro

Judo

Student Activities Center (UCLA)

Westside

Kayaking

Marine Stadium (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Open Water Swimming

Alamitos Beach (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Powerlifting

Los Angeles Convention Center

Downtown/LA Metro

Roller Skating

Los Angeles Convention Center

Downtown/LA Metro

Sailing

Belmont Pier (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Softball

Easton Stadium (UCLA)

Westside

Table Tennis

Los Angeles Convention Center

Downtown/LA Metro

Tennis

Los Angeles Tennis Center (UCLA)

Westside

Triathlon

Alamitos Beach (Long Beach)

Neighboring Regions

Volleyball

Pauley Pavilion (UCLA)

Westside

For the most up-to-date information on all competitions and events, visit LA2015.org during the World Games.

#REACHUPLA

6WLUPUN *LYLTVU` 1\S` The inspiring kickoff to the World Games at the Coliseum celebrates the true stars—the athletes—with

a ceremonial parade, exciting entertainment, and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.

Broadcast live internationally on ESPN, fans around the world will be able to watch this memorable ÄYZ[ HJ[ World Games Festivals 1\S` ò (\N\Z[ Take a break from viewing the competitions and come party on the campuses of UCLA (at Wilson Plaza) and USC (at Alumni Park), where you can enjoy live musical performances, sports demonstrations and education, interactive technology, art installations, sponsor activations, great food, and family-friendly

activities. Meet the diverse Special Olympics athletes and participate in fan engagement opportunities that send messages of support and encouragement to the competing athletes. The festivals are free and open to the public daily, though some evening events may be at a limited capacity due to space restrictions. *SVZPUN *LYLTVU` (\N\Z[ ;OL Ă„UHSL H[ [OL *VSPZL\T pays tribute to the athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and supporters that have come together for a successful and inspirational event. World-class entertainers and celebrities headline the festivity.

VOLUNTEER: Whatever your interest, talent, or background—there’s a spot for you SUPPORT: It takes $2,500 to fund one athlete at the 2015 World Games DONATE: Each contribution supports courage, determination, and joy SHOP: -PUK VMÄJPHS .HTLZ coffee mugs, tote bags, jackets, and outerwear at shop.la2015.org DISCUSS: Spread the word using @LA2015, #ReachUpLA, and #TheWorldIsComing

PHOTO: SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Law Enforcement Torch Run -PUHS 3LN 1\S` ò The culmination of a global running relay and grass-roots fundraiser that began in Greece, touched all 50 U.S. states, and raised millions of dollars for the Special 6S`TWPJZ! [OL ÄUHS SLN VM [OL 3H^ Enforcement Torch Run features VMÄJLYZ H[OSL[LZ HUK ]VS\U[LLYZ carrying the Flame of Hope throughout California to the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the opening ceremony of the 2015 World Games.

5 MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

PROMOTION

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REACH UP LA 177 Countries | 7,000 Athletes | 25 Sports | #REACHUPLA

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