HOW ARE THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS DIFFERENT FROM THE PARALYMPICS?

Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The principal differences between the two lie in the disability of participating athletes and levels of ability in sports participation.

Special Olympics involves athletes from all ability levels with participation from the full range of intellectual disability. In order to create equitable divisions, the goal is to have between 3-8 athletes of similar ability in a given division. Each division is a "final" allowing all athletes a fair opportunity to compete with a chance to excel. This system is designed to challenge each athlete to do his or her best while providing a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

The Paralympics involves athletes from six disability groups, usually those with physical disabilities, who compete only on the elite sports level. Competition to determine the "best" athlete or team is the goal of the Paralympics, similar to most mainstream sporting events.

INVITATIONAL GAMES VS. THE WORLD WINTER GAMES

The 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games were held February 25-28 in Boise, Idaho and served as a prelude to the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games held February 7-13, 2009. This event provided an opportunity for delegations from around the globe to witness the world-class venues and community enthusiasm prior to the World Winter Games in 2009.

Participating in these games provided athletes the chance to come to Idaho, and witness its scenic beauty and hospitable residents while creating memories that they will be able to share with their families and friends in their homelands forever.

Approximately 365 athletes from ten countries competed in the 2008 Invitational Games compared to the 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries who will participate in 2009. In 2008, athletes competed in five winter sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing.  In 2009, athletes will compete in seven winter sports:  Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating.   

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2009 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (2009 GOC) AND AN ACCREDITED SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM?

The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games and Special Olympics Idaho are two separate entities.

These two entities share some common goals such as; creating the best possible experience for all participants and increasing public awareness regarding the gifts of individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, there are some goals that differ as well. For example; Special Olympics Idaho will have a goal of stimulating the growth of high-quality Special Olympics Programs throughout Idaho, and the 2009 GOC will have a goal of showcasing the talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities from throughout the world and leaving a legacy with the community and Special Olympics Idaho.

The 2009 GOC is a separately incorporated, non-profit organization, responsible via contract with Special Olympics International for planning, organizing and staging the2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. This organization will operate with a separate budget, staff and Board of Directors from Special Olympics Idaho. In essence these are two separate businesses.

Special Olympics Idaho is independently registered as a non-profit organization. Special Olympics Idaho is accredited by Special Olympics International headquarters to continuously organize and conduct ongoing Special Olympics training and competition at the local and state level.

Upon conclusion of the Games, the 2009 GOC is dissolved and a new GOC is incorporated to run the next World Winter Games four years later; while Special Olympics Idaho will continue to function as a State Chapter and continue to offer programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities year-round.