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Special Olympics <br /> Washington <br /> g <br /> Myths & Facts <br /> Myth: Special Olympics is just for kids. <br /> Fact: Special Olympics is for children and adults. More than half of Special Olympics <br /> athletes are over age 18. <br /> Myth: Special Olympics is for people with physical OR intellectual disabilities. <br /> Fact: The determining factor for eligibility is intellectual disabilities. Some Special <br /> Olympics athletes also have physical challenges. <br /> Myth: Special Olympics athletes are not really "athletes." <br /> Fact: Many Special Olympics athletes are very high-functioning, and compete in and out <br /> of Special Olympics programs. Special Olympics athletes do compete in divisions <br /> based on skill level. Special Olympics athletes train and prepare for competition <br /> just as any athlete does. <br /> Myth: Special Olympics is a once-a-year track and field meet. <br /> Fact: Special Olympics Washington offers year-round training and competition <br /> opportunities in 16 Olympic-type sports. <br /> Myth: Special Olympics serves a small population. <br /> Fact: More than 8,000 athletes compete in Special Olympics in Washington State. <br /> More than 2.25 million athletes participate worldwide in 160 nations. <br /> Myth: I'm not qualified to volunteer for Special Olympics; I'm not sure I'd like it. <br /> Fact: Everyone has something to offer and Special Olympics simply could not exist <br /> without volunteers. Special Olympics has specialized training programs for <br /> coaches and other volunteers. Many people who volunteer for Special <br /> Olympics say it's the most meaningful and rewarding experience in their lives. <br /> Myth: Special Olympics is funded by the government and United Way. <br /> Fact: Special Olympics Washington does not receive government or United Way funding. <br /> Myth: Special Olympics has a huge, highly-paid staff. <br /> Fact: Special Olympics Washington remains a largely grass-roots organization with <br /> thousands of volunteers statewide. The organization's 20 employees are divided <br /> between the state office in Seattle and two satellite offices in Eastern Washington. <br /> YY YY YY.sowa.org Revised 10/09 <br />