COMMUNITY

Sample Data Response:

• As an athlete, how do you feel Special Olympics is portrayed in your community?

Sample Statement:  SOMD should continue to focus on and improve the way that SOMD is perceived by the public-  especially in large media venues like commercials, media events

1. Within the Special Olympics community, we are respected and cared for, but outside of our community, the public feels more sympathetic or sorry for Special Olympians.

2.  SOMD will spread the word better through the use of publications like newsletters to reach potential athletes.

FRIENDSHIPS

Sample Data Response:

·         How often do you get together with your friends?

Sample Statement: SOMD Athletes should make every effort to maintain friendships outside of practice times to contribute to the health of an athlete. 

1.  SOMD athletes will encourage their outside friends to volunteer or come cheer in the stands for the participants.

2. 

OPPORTUNITY

Sample Data Response:

·        Of which leadership opportunities within Special Olympics are you aware?

Sample Statement:  SOMD should advertise leadership opportunities to current athletes.

1.  SOMD leaders will have the voice for others who don't have a strong voice anywhere possible.

2.  SOMD will create local ALP Days to promote other leadership opportunities to athletes instrested in having more responsibility.

QUALITY

Sample Data Response:

·         How well do you feel your training prepares you for competition?

Sample Statement:  SOMD will provide a venue that athletes are able to contribute input and feedback on improving training for all athletes.

1.  SOMD will have better facilities to train and prepare all athletes for competition.

2

SPORTSMANSHIP AND INTEGRITY

Sample Data Responses:

·        How well do you feel other Special Olympics athletes show sportsmanship?

Sample Statement:  Every SOMD athlete will take individual responsibility to treat fellow athletes with respect and agree to the SOMD Code of Conduct.

1. SOMD will have seminars for families, volunteers, coaches, and athletes on how to treat others with respect and have better sportsmanship.

2. SOMD will have a speaker come and speak to athletes, coaches, and volunteers about sportsmanship.

·         When necessary, Special Olympics Maryland meets my needs in the following areas.

Sample Statement:  SOMD needs to provide greater accessibility to athletes’ physical and cognitive needs for both social and athletic events. 

1. SOMD will provide needed special equipment for competition.

2. SOMD will provide better access to water and food for participants.

3. SOMD events should be better prepared for extreme weather conditions.

4. SOMD will provide more interpreters for hearing impaired persons.