More information
Description
Special Olympics Hellas has been the national program of the Special Olympics World Movement since 1988. The 4-year strategic plan and the main philosophy of the project sets the course of the organisation until 2025, strengthening its vision for an inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities, based on the power of sports and through a substantial framework of activities, which ensure the sustainability of the strategic priorities of the Organisation. More specifically the aims of the project are: - The expansion of the quality and scope of the programs’ impact for athletes -The empowerment of athletes -The promotion of inclusive practices for the integration of the target group - The better organisation of operation and procedures - The increase of the recognition of Special Olympics Hellas - The promotion of volunteering (attracting, training and optimal management of volunteers) - The raising of awareness on issues of intellectual disability - The implementation of the strategic plan for fundraising and for the sustainability of the Organisation.
Summary of project results
The Special Olympics Hellas project, as outlined in its 2022-2025 strategic plan, sought to address several critical organisational challenges that required significant investment for implementation. The initiative focused on ensuring the sustainability of the organisation’s strategic priorities and aimed to strengthen various key areas:
- Expanding the quality and reach of programs for athletes, ensuring a broader impact on their physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth through sports.
- Enhancing organisational operations and processes for more effective program delivery.
- Increasing the visibility of Special Olympics Hellas to garner broader public support and awareness.
- Promoting volunteerism through structured recruitment, training, and optimized management of volunteers to support program activities
The project outlined several action areas to address these challenges, strengthening programme and volunteer management, digitising services and modernising technological infrastructure, launching a communications campaign, and intensifying resource mobilization efforts.
The Organisational Grants do not include funding for the activities and outputs directly; rather, they are intended to support the core capacities and strategic development of the organisation itself.
The activities of Special Olympics Hellas delivered significant outcomes, promoting inclusion and athletic development for people with intellectual disabilities across Greece. Through numerous events, programs, and partnerships, they reached diverse communities and created valuable experiences for athletes, volunteers, and the wider public.
Key results included the Unified Champion Schools initiative, which expanded to involve 53 schools, with over 1,100 students, including 353 students with disabilities, engaging in unified sports and promoting peer-to-peer support. These activities fostered inclusive school environments, with sports like basketball, bocce, and kayaking, that encouraged physical and social interaction between students with and without disabilities.
Special Olympics Hellas also supported athlete participation in high-profile events, such as the Berlin 2023 World Games. Through extensive planning meetings and community engagement, the organization prepared 100 athletes across 14 sports, including swimming, cycling, and rhythmic gymnastics. The athletes trained with coaches and support staff, who ensured their preparation met international standards.
Furthermore, community engagement initiatives, such as the Athens Half Marathon and local events like the Finikas Run in Syros, offered visibility and celebrated the achievements of athletes with disabilities, enhancing public awareness and acceptance. Notably, partnerships with entities like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation allowed the continuation of programs such as MATP (Motor Activity Training Program), a collaboration with Doukas School that included 50 athletes from special schools, building their skills and social connections.
This comprehensive approach not only elevated the athletes’ abilities but also integrated them into community life, inspired positive attitudes towards people with disabilities, and strengthened the support network through volunteer engagement and educational sessions. Each of these achievements underlines the organization’s commitment to creating a society where people with intellectual disabilities are respected and empowered.