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Throughout Special Olympics Maryland there are
many meaningful stories that describe challenges, successes,
and common human experiences. The following outline is based
on fact and can be localized for any interested.
Athletes
Recent studies prove that Special Olympics athletes do
better in their daily lives. What is it about Special Olympics
that makes this possible? What role does the program play
in the lives of young and adult athletes? Some athletes live
with parents, some in group homes, many hold down jobs. A
focus on one or a group of athletes can be the basis of a
strong story.
Coaches
Who trains Special Olympics athletes? Volunteer coaches do.
Some are skilled athletes, others are teachers or enthusiastic
individuals who understand the benefits of sports training.
The public would be surprised to learn that Special Olympics
has a required certified training program for all of its coaches.
Not only do coaches do the training, many do the car pooling,
secure training sites, and act as mentors. They can talk about
volunteering, working with persons with disabilities, and
establishing priorities -- some have given up family or vacation
time to be part of Special Olympics. They'll tell you why.
Families
Families lives have changed through Special Olympics. Athletes
have helped to reshape the lives of their siblings, parents,
grandparents. Parents have had the opportunity to become proud
parents, watching as their sons and daughters develop into
valuable members of their communities. In some families, everyone
is part of Special Olympics -- parents and siblings are coaches,
volunteers, directors. Special Olympics tells a great family
story.
Training for Life
A new nationwide public awareness campaign for Special Olympics
reflects the emphasis on training, not competition. Whether
you focus on the campaign, or make it a component of another
story, the story of Training for Life defines Special Olympics
and helps to correct misconceptions.
Volunteers
While there is plenty of envelope-stuffing, there's plenty
more opportunities for Special Olympics volunteers. For example,
Special Olympics Maryland Area Directors (volunteers who oversee
local programs) have volunteered more than 230 years of service,
collectively. Why these business professionals, sports enthusiasts,
parents, and college students are involved would enlighten
anyone who wonders what he/she could do to better their worlds.
Let our volunteers tell that story and share what the unexpected
rewards can be.
Business Partners
With many nonprofits and charities vying for the same donor
dollar, Special Olympics has a cause-marketing component that
very few organizations can offer. The credibility of our program
is known worldwide. But what are the benefits of that for
a sponsor? Special Olympics sponsors don't just donate funds,
they get their entire Directories involved as volunteers. Sponsors
see their contributions at work and making a difference in
lives. A story about the marketing partnerships in Special
Olympics Maryland is an interesting business angle.
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