Partner Program Initiative

The Special Olympics Partnership Program engages existing sport and recreation infrastructure to expand affordable programming for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities in Alberta. This initiative connects with Provincial Sport Organizations, Community-based Organizations, Indigenous Communities, and more to offer tailored sport opportunities

What is the Program Partner Initative?

The Special Olympics Partnership Program is an initiative to engage existing sport and recreation infrastructure to

expand programming options at a reduced expense to youth and adults with an intellectual disabilities in Alberta.

Through the Partnership Program Initiative, SOA connects with Provincial Sport Organizations, Community-based Organizations and Clubs, Indigenous Communities, Recreation Facilities, and Service Providers to provide resources, coach training, and support for Partners to offer tailored sport opportunities to folks with intellectual disabilities in partnership with Special Olympics.

This project aims to provide greater sport opportunities for Albertans with intellectual disabilities, inclusive of location, background, and identity. Of particular interest are Partners who serve children and youth with intellectual disabilities, athletes in geographic regions underserved by Special Olympics, and Indigenous athletes with an intellectual disability.

What Do We Provide?

  • Free Coach Training (Formal & Informal Opportunities)

  • Ongoing Program Support: support where needed for member recruitment, registration, administration, facility booking, insurance certificate where requested

  • Access to equipment (including adapted or specialized equipment) to be loaned to Partnership Programs

  • Provide Healthy Athletes and Athlete Leadership opportunities, resources, and training, where applicable

  • Support for Grant and Funding Initiatives/Applications

What Do You Provide?

  • Commit to carrying out the Partnership activities (Partnership activities will include at least one of the following: Try-it Events, competitions, integrated programming, specialized programming)

  • Staff and/or Volunteers as Coaches

  • A Program Lead & main contact

  • Ensure completion of the registration process for all participants and Coaches/Volunteers

  • Be fully responsible for all program-related costs.