Families and Friends

Family members of a person with cognitive disabilities often feel confused and alone. Getting involved with Special Olympics gives families a support network providing them acceptance, resources, hope and a chance to become advocates – making them a valued voice in our movement. Be part of a year-round sports training and competition program that the whole family can enjoy.

We plan to create additional opportunities at competitions and conferences for families to network, learn from each other and cheer on their athletes.

State Games results and photos

• Winter Games
• Indoor Sports Tournament
• Summer Games
• Outdoor Sports Tournament
• Fall Sports Tournament

More information for families

• Athlete Medical Expiration Lookup
• Camp Shriver
• Spread the word to end the word
• Young Athletes
• Healthy Athletes
  

Family Brochure

• Download the English Version of the Family Brochure (PDF)
• Haga clic aquí para la Versión inglesa del Folleto de la Familia (PDF)

Families can choose their level of involvement in the Special Olympics program. Some families provide not only encouragement and love, but may coach, offer transportation, assist with fund-raising, officiate, chaperone, and train other volunteers within their local agency. If you are interested in learning more about how you can involve a family member in Special Olympics, please request a Family Packet by e-mailing jobrien@specialolympicswisconsin.org with your name and mailing address.

Another way to be involved

Be a mentor for Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)

Athlete Leadership Programs train athletes to serve in meaningful leadership roles outside of sports in Special Olympics and in their communities. ALPs offers athletes an opportunity to participate in all aspects of the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement and is a Free program to athletes.
More information

Other sites to visit:

• Ability Path

• Advocacy & Benefits Counseling for Health

• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

• The Arc of the United States

• Best Buddies Wisconsin

• Center for Exceptional Children

• Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW)

• Down Syndrome Resources Online from 1800wheelchair.com

• Fathers Network

• Family Village

• Family Voices of Wisconsin
  

• Mothers United for Moral Support

• National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

• National Down Syndrome Society

• Parenting Special Needs Magazine

• Parent to Parent USA

• Parent to Parent of Wisconsin

• Progressive Travel - Special Needs Tours

• Shepherds College

• The Sibling Support Project

• Sproutflix

• Waisman Center Home Page

• The Wheelchair Recycling Program

• Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support (WI FACETS)

• Wisconsin First Step for children with special needs

• Wisconsin Personal Development System (WPDS)

• Wisconsin Pooled & Community Trusts (WisPACT)

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If you have questions, contact

Jenn O'Brien, Director of Field Services
jobrien@specialolympicswisconsin.org
Toll Free: (800) 552-1324
Direct Line: (608) 442-5674