Florida

Special Olympics FloridaSurfing ChampionshipsVolunteer OrientationOctober 26, 2019

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Thank You for Volunteering!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Special Olympics Florida.

We serve over 51,000 athletes with the help of 6,775 coaches and over

33,000 volunteers.

We hope you:

• Learn about the mission of Special Olympics Florida

• Get involved in your community through Special Olympics Florida

• Help us ensure an environment of equality, respect and acceptance

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Special Olympics Florida Mission

Special Olympics provides 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 the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship

with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Components• Sports training &

competition• Leadership• Health Screenings

Outcomes• Physical fitness• Courage & joy• Sharing gifts & skills

• Friendship• Families• Athletes• Community

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Philosophy & Vision

If individuals with intellectual disabilities can:• Receive appropriate instruction and encouragement• Receive constant training• Compete among those with equal abilities

The results are:• Personal growth• Stronger families• United communities• An environment of equality, respect and acceptance

Coach, Athlete & Volunteer Oaths

Athlete’s Oath:

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me

be brave in the attempt.”

Coach’s Oath:

“In the name of all coaches and in the

spirit of sportsmanship, I promise that

we will act professionally, respect others,

and ensure a positive experience for all. I

promise to provide quality sports and

training opportunities in a safe

environment for all athletes.”

Volunteer’s Oath:

“I promise to give the time in my life so that

Special Olympics athletes can have the time of

their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics

not just as an expression of charity, but as a form

of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise

to spread the word of volunteerism because in

giving, I receive so much more in return.”

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Surfing Championships Overview

• 135 athletes from around the state will compete

in golf skills and competitions with over 80

coaches to guide them in competition.

• Over 100 volunteers will be on hand to assist with

the event.

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STATE SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Venue Location Alan Shepard Park (Surfing) 202 E Cocoa Beach Causeway (SR 520) Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Participation Numbers Athletes: 135 Other Delegates: 30 Coaches: 30 Family Members: 50 Volunteers: 100

Events Offered Level 1 Level 3 Level 2 Level 4 Unified Demonstration

Schedule Saturday, October 26

7:00 am – 7:30 am Opening Ceremony 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Competition11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch

Premier Games Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Event Management

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Surfing Volunteer Roles

Volunteers assist with the following roles:

Awards –Present awards to athletes

Meals – Assist with the distribution of meals

Registration – Check-in athletes as they arrive for competition

Crowd Control – Help keep the crowd out of the competition and judging area

Staging– Assisting with staging the event, boards and lining up athletes for competition

Runners -Escort athletes to the awards and staging areas

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What to Expect when Volunteering with Special Olympics Florida

One of the biggest questions that new volunteers have is how to work with our athletes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Special Olympics offers competitions to children AND

adults, so don’t assume that an athlete is a child.

Make sure to talk to athletes with respect.

• Many athletes like to hug, shake hands, give high

fives, etc. You may reciprocate if the athlete initiates

it and you are comfortable with that.

• Remember that respect of the dignity and effort of

the athletes is the priority at Special Olympics Florida.

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Important Day-Of Event Volunteer Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

• You represent Special Olympics Florida as a volunteer. You will be asked to show photo identification upon registration at the event

• Remember to conduct yourself in a professional manner relating to athletes, other volunteers, family, the general public, and the

media

• Please give your full attention to your volunteer duty. If you need assistance or are finished with your duty, please see the volunteer

contact

• Please do not try to “train” or “coach” the athletes. Athletes have been working with their coaches for weeks for this event and are

looking to them for guidance

• Photographs and video recordings are taken at each event. By signing in for your shift, you authorize Special Olympics Florida to use

your image and likeness in promotional materials

• Please note, a volunteer is NOT to accompany an athlete away from the competition area or to the locker room. Please get the

athlete’s coach

VOLUNTEER ATTIRE

• A volunteer t-shirt will be provided

• Please wear athletic shoes, sandals or beach shoes. You will be in the sand. Dress in athletic shorts.

• Please do not wear bathing suits. You will not be in the water with athletes

• Protect yourself from the sun and elements

• There is not a storage area for personal belongings. Please plan accordingly

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• Absolutely no alcohol of any kind is allowed. Volunteers will refrain from alcohol while involved in Special Olympics functions where

athletes are present.

• You will be notified of the meals provided per volunteer shift. At most events, there is a meal or snacks provided.

• Please take frequent water breaks.

DAY-OF EVENT ACCIDENTS & INJURIES

• Medical staff is available for events. In case of an accident, DO NOT attempt to treat the sick or injured person. Contact the nearest

medical personnel immediately

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Volunteer Agreement

As a Special Olympics volunteer, I agree that while serving as a volunteer, I will:

· Provide for the general welfare, health, and safety of all Special Olympics athletes

and volunteers

· Dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times

· Follow the established rules and guidelines of Special Olympics and/or any agency

involved with Special Olympics

· Report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate

action to ensure the health and safety of the participants

· Abstain from the consumption or use of all alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal

substances while involved with any Special Olympics event, competition, or

training

· Not engage in any inappropriate contact or relationship with athletes, volunteers,

or other participants of Special Olympics

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Thank You

Thank you for volunteering with Special Olympics

Florida! We could not host the competitions without

your support!