A ‘Delegation’ is a group of athletes, coaches and other credentialed support staff, led by a Head of Delegation, who represent their accredited Special Olympics Program. It is expected that up to 100 Delegations will participate in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
 

Key responsibilities of the Delegation Services area for the World Winter Games include:

  • Communication with all participating Special Olympic Programs in order to provide them with as much information as possible so they can properly prepare for their participation in the World Winter Games and their trip to Idaho.
  • Work closely with Special Olympics, Inc. (“SOI”) to ensure proper flow of communication, including necessary registration information and visa documentation.
  • Act as main point of contact between the Games Organizing Committee and all Heads of Delegation (“HODs”) in the dissemination of any and all information concerning the World Winter Games and related test event(s).
  • With the help of Airport Operations staff, assist Delegations upon arrival at Boise International Airport, including meet and greet, retrieval of luggage and transport to the Delegation Welcome Center for accreditation. Where applicable, Delegation Services will also provide assistance with U.S. Customs and Immigration procedures.
  • Establish a Delegation Assistant Liaison (DAL) program to provide assistance to Delegations throughout the duration of their stay in Idaho, including during the Host Town Program.
  • Provide accurate, timely and complete Games information in a way that all World Winter Games Families can easily understand and utilize.
  • Produce and distribute a variety of publications including a Head of Delegation Guide for all Delegations and a Family Guide to the Games.
  • Offer opportunities for U.S. and international family members to interact with each other, providing a cultural exchange that will enrich the lives of all involved.
  • Provide a hospitable environment at official venues where families are made to feel welcome, are recognized, and can enjoy all aspects of the World Winter Games.
  • Give athletes the chance to develop life-long friendships by providing opportunities for them to interact with each other outside of competition settings.

The Delegation Services area is responsible for delivery of services including, but not limited to:

  • Delegation Assistant Liaison Program
  • Delegation Arrival Assistance
  • Delegation Welcome Center
  • Delegation Service Centers
  • Delegation and Family Registration
  • Family Service Centers/Lounges
  • Family Reception
  • Head of Delegation Meetings (both pre-Games and Games-time)

The majority of services provided by the Delegation Services area will be coordinated and staffed by World Winter Games volunteers under the direction of the Delegation Services Manager.