Special Olympics Florida Surfing Championships Volunteer Orientation September 16, 2017 Florida 1
Thank You for Volunteering! Thank you for taking the time to learn about Special Olympics Florida. We serve over 38,000 athletes with the help of 2,700 coaches and over 27,000 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 2 / Special Olympics Florida
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 3 / Special Olympics Florida
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 4 / Special Olympics Florida
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. 5 / Special Olympics Florida
2017 Surfing Championships Overview 125 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. 6 / Special Olympics Florida
2017 STATE SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS September 16, 2017 Venue Location Alan Shepard Park (Surfing) 202 E Cocoa Beach Causeway (SR 520) Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Participation Numbers Athletes: 125 Other Delegates: 30 Coaches: 30 Family Members: 50 Volunteers: 100 Events Offered Level 1 Level 3 Level 2 Level 4 Unified Demonstration Schedule Saturday, September 17 7:00 am 7:30 am Opening Ceremony 8:30 am 4:00pm Competition 11:30 am 12:30 pm Lunch Premier Games Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Event Management 8 / Special Olympics Florida
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 8 / Special Olympics Florida
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. 9 / Special Olympics Florida
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 10 / Special Olympics Florida
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 11 / Special Olympics Florida
Thank You Thank you for volunteering with Special Olympics Florida! We could not host the competitions without your support! 12 / Special Olympics Florida