The American Legion & Special Olympics

The American Legion Resolution RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 17-18, 2007, That The American Legion adopt Special Olympics as a national children and youth project and participate in their programs to assist in providing year-round sports training and athletic competition to millions of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States and around the world; and, be it finally RESOLVED, That The American Legion urge all its Posts, Districts and Departments to work with and support the Special Olympics programs in whatever capacity that they so choose to increase quality of life opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

What is Special Olympics? The Mission: To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic- type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community

A Global Movement North America 544,581 Latin America 243,319 Africa 81,884 Asia Pacific 467,128 Middle East N. Africa 111,424 Middle East N. Africa 111,424 Europe/Eurasia 426,063 East Asia 660,014 Serving over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries. Serving over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries. Fast Growing: 1 million athletes in Million today 3 Million by 2010 Important – Changing lives, attitudes and influencing policy Transformative – Challenging stigmas and destroying prejudices Unifying – Bridging chasms that divide us as a society. “The sun never sets on the Special Olympics movement”

Structure & Making Connections Special Olympics, Inc. Special Olympics North America Special Olympics U.S. Program (52) Area Program Local Program Area Program Local Program Area Program Local Program The American Legion National HQ Departments District Post District Post District Post

Connecting with Special Olympics Special Olympics U.S. Programs Program Locator Select: “find a location” Who to connect with? The CEO (Executive Director, President) or the senior most “Program” or “Development” staff member

Partnership Opportunities Volunteer or Donate (Time & Dollars): Coach a team Manage a venue or tournament Prepare and provide a meal Donate funds Invite a Global Messenger to your next meeting – they will be able to give you location specific requests We need your help to create more opportunities! Please share information so that we can share opportunities and increase the number of connections!