Media Coverage Guidelines

Media Links

Members of the media are welcomed and are encouraged to help tell the wonderful story of Special Olympics-Westmoreland County. Timely press releases are sent to all members of the media to allow the scheduling of reporters and photographers for event coverage. On event day, members of the media are requested to report to the event registration table prior to the beginning of the event. At this time, they will be given press credentials and printed information pertinent to the particular event that is being held on that day.

News accounts and pictures paint a thousand words, and photos of our athletes and volunteers truly tell the story of Special Olympics-Westmoreland County. Media representatives are asked to follow these simple rules when covering any Special Olympics event or program.

The best choices for photographs are good action-packed, emotion-evoking pictures of athletes during competition, interacting with other athletes, parents, volunteers and coaches, and athletes during the awards ceremony.

Athletes photographed with clowns or clown makeup on their faces or athletes being hugged by volunteers should be refrained from. Congratulatory actions such as pat on the back, arm around the athlete's shoulder, hi-fives and coaches encouraging athletes are all acceptable and should be sought out.

Written accounts of the competition should include the athletes name and age, the organization or school they are representing and the particular event(s) they are participating. Also included should be comments from the athlete's coach regarding their training and discussion of progress made during their time of competition.