North Dakota Special Olympics Inc

Competition and training is the vehicle widely used to provide people with intellectual disabilities opportunities for fitness, inclusion, acceptance and leadership. Approximately, 1,907 people in north dakota participated in either a sanctioned training or competition event sponsored by sond and supported by 267 volunteer coaches. The power of sport shifts focus to what our participants can do, not what they can't. Attention to disabilities fades away. Instead, we see our athletes' talents and abilities. Our sports and competition events traditionally bring together a large and inclusive community of athletes, supporters and families, coaches, volunteers and many others. At each of these events, the experiences demonstrate purity of sports and real athletic pursuits all based upon true olympic ideals. Sond provides year-round training and competition in 11 official sports. Unified competitions are offered in the sports of bocce, soccer, volleyball and flag football. Unified sports combine people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Special olympics north dakota has 26 unified schools across the state engaging in unified champion school strategies.

Sond offers healthy athlete initiatives dedicated to providing health services and education to special olympics athletes, and changing the way health systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities. Through free health screenings, training for healthcare professionals, and evaluation of the health status of people with intellectual disabilities, healthy athletes has become a powerful public health organization. Since 2003, 1,930 athletes have been screened in opening eyes, special smiles, strong minds, and fun fitness and health promotion.