Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Special Olympics for school age children only?
- Do athletes have to participate through the school or organization?
- Do I have to pay for my family member to compete?
- Are Special Olympic coaches trained in their sport?
- is insurance available in the case of an injury or accident?
- How hard is it to become a volunteer?
- What security procedures are done regarding volunteers?
- Does Special Olympics-Westmoreland County receive federal or state grants?
- Is Special Olympics-Westmoreland County funded by the United Way?
Answers
1. Is Special Olympics for school age children only?
No. Special Olympics provide sports opportunities to qualified persons starting at age 8 and many of our athletes are still competing in their forties. When the athletes are out of school, we encourage them to continue their participation with organizations such as the Greensburg Y.M.C.A. or through their families.
No. Special Olympics provide sports opportunities to qualified persons starting at age 8 and many of our athletes are still competing in their forties. When the athletes are out of school, we encourage them to continue their participation with organizations such as the Greensburg Y.M.C.A. or through their families.
2. Do athletes have to participate through the school or organization?
No. Athletes can register as an Independent. The only requirements are that they have a current medical on file with the Management Team and that they have gone through training sessions such as in skiing or have been trained and timed in sports like track and field or swimming.
No. Athletes can register as an Independent. The only requirements are that they have a current medical on file with the Management Team and that they have gone through training sessions such as in skiing or have been trained and timed in sports like track and field or swimming.
3. Do I have to pay for my family member to compete?
No. All costs of competitions, including registration fees for regional and state level events are paid for by the Management Team. Also, there is never an admission fee charged for anyone to attend the competitions.
No. All costs of competitions, including registration fees for regional and state level events are paid for by the Management Team. Also, there is never an admission fee charged for anyone to attend the competitions.
4. Are Special Olympic coaches trained in their sport?
Yes. All programs are required to have certified coaches in all sports. Volunteers serving as head coaches at regional and state events are also required to be certified. Certification is provided at no charge to volunteers who attend a six to eight hour training class in a specific sport.
Yes. All programs are required to have certified coaches in all sports. Volunteers serving as head coaches at regional and state events are also required to be certified. Certification is provided at no charge to volunteers who attend a six to eight hour training class in a specific sport.
5. is insurance available in the case of an injury or accident?
Yes. Special Olympics International provides umbrella coverage for all athletes, coaches, and volunteers.
Yes. Special Olympics International provides umbrella coverage for all athletes, coaches, and volunteers.
6. How hard is it to become a volunteer?
It's Easy and Fun! Check out the "get involved" page to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
It's Easy and Fun! Check out the "get involved" page to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
7. What security procedures are done regarding volunteers?
All Management Team members as well as coaches and volunteers who attend regional or state level events are required to have a Pennsylvania State Police background check on file.
All Management Team members as well as coaches and volunteers who attend regional or state level events are required to have a Pennsylvania State Police background check on file.
8. Does Special Olympics-Westmoreland County receive federal or state grants?
No. All money for the local program is raised by the Management Team. The program depends on support from individuals, organizations and the business community to ensure that the training and competitions continue. You can help by donating today! To help with financial support, select Donation.
No. All money for the local program is raised by the Management Team. The program depends on support from individuals, organizations and the business community to ensure that the training and competitions continue. You can help by donating today! To help with financial support, select Donation.
9. Is Special Olympics-Westmoreland County funded by the United Way?
No. Special Olympics is not part of the United Way. However individuals, through the Contributor Choice option, can direct their contribution to Special Olympics-Westmoreland County. Our Donor Option Code is #381.
No. Special Olympics is not part of the United Way. However individuals, through the Contributor Choice option, can direct their contribution to Special Olympics-Westmoreland County. Our Donor Option Code is #381.