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Recent studies have revealed much about people's
perceptions of Special Olympics and sports benefits. Here
is a summary of some of those studies:
A Yale University study compared results of
a group of Special Olympics athletes to an appropriately matched
group on non-Special Olympics athletes. Their conclusion:
Special Olympics participation led to "higher social
competence scores than the comparison group and more positive
self-perceptions."
The Gallup Organization conducted a national
public opinion survey of American attitudes toward persons
with mental retardation and awareness of Special Olympics:
- 96% of Americans said they feel people with
intellectual disabilities benefit from involvement with sports.
Most respondents mentioned "building self-esteem"
and "gaining social skills" as the major benefits
from sports participation. The most frequently mentioned
benefits: increased self- esteem: 24%; cooperation with
other social skills: 24%; physical benefits and exercise:
20%.
- 70% of Americans believe Special Olympics
is a sports program for people with mental and physical
disabilities. Just 9% said that Special Olympics is only
for people with intellectual disabilities. (Fact: Although Special
Olympics does include athletes with physical disabilities,
the qualification is that they be people with intellectual
disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities).
- 80% of Americans correctly stated that Special
Olympics sports training and competitions are available
to people of all ages with mental retardation. Only 15%
felt Special Olympics is just for children and teens. (Fact:
Athletes range from eight years old on with no upper age
limit.)
- Almost two-thirds (65%) of those responding
to the recent Gallup survey were aware that Special Olympics
involves year-round training. However, 16% said they believed
Special Olympics involved a single Olympic-type event once
a year. (Fact: In Maryland, there is an annual Summer Games,
Spring Basketball Tournament, Winter Games and Fall Sports
Tournament, along with more than 100 local sports qualifiers
and meets in 17 different sports throughout the year).
- Over half (54%) of those participating in
the Gallup survey said they would consider volunteering
and/or participating in a Special Olympics sports program.
(Fact: In Maryland, there are nearly 10,000 volunteers who
support Special Olympics all year round).
A survey published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy
recognized Special Olympics as the country's most credible
charity.
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