Special Olympics’ vision is clear: to create an inclusive world through the power of sport, where people with intellectual disabilities can lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Challenges in Swiss Sports
The first shadow report by Inclusion Handicap on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities clearly shows: The dual structure in Swiss sports promotes segregation and thus hinders equal participation. This is precisely where Special Olympics Switzerland steps in.
Our contribution to implementation is outlined in a clear position statement
We have defined eight key areas of action with which we improve access to sports and create sustainable structures:
Position 1: An athlete is an athlete
Historically, athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities have found opportunities for physical activity
and sport through special programs in institutions and sports clubs for people with disabilities. They are
seen first as “disabled” rather than as athletes.
There will always be people who, due to severe disability, cannot be regular members of a sports club. These people require individually tailored programs with diverse levels of support.
We support mainstream sports federations and their member clubs so that athletes with intellectual disabilities can practise their sport in a sport-specific club and be part of club life.
Position 2: National oversight
Sport in Switzerland is organized through associations for specific sports disciplines. There are currently 81
sports federations in the country. They oversee about 18,000 sports clubs. Swiss Olympic is the umbrella
organization for all sports federations.
We are committed to ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities have access to sports federations, are subject to their regulations and can benefit from their support.
Position 3: Transfer of competition opportunities
Most competitive sports opportunities for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities are currently not organized and hosted by the sports federations, but rather by organizers specialized in working with people with disabilities; SOSWI is one of these.
Some sports federations have begun to allow athletes with intellectual disabilities to train and compete through their member clubs. SOSWI’s role as a specialist organization includes sharing its experience and knowledge regarding this target group with sports federations and their members.
We are actively working to ensure that competitive sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities are organized and supported by the responsible sports federations.
Position 4: Open multi-sport events
Special Olympics Switzerland’s sport events are affirmations of humanity, joy, appreciation, openness and emotion. They provide a platform for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities.
Multi-sport events (defined as those with three or more disciplines) are held in the form of SOSWI Regional Games and National Games, in cooperation with the respective associations where possible. They pave the way for participation in the Special Olympics World Games, which take place every two years and alternate between Summer and Winter Games.
Participation in multi-sport events is open to athletes from sports federations as well as those from disability organizations and private initiatives.
We make it possible for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in our multi-sport events and international Special Olympics competitions
Position 5: Recognition of performance
For people with intellectual and multiple disabilities, training and competition means athletic development and individual progress. These athletes are achieving remarkable things within the scope of their abilities. They deserve recognition and have the right to be seen, supported and encouraged.
We work to ensure that the sporting achievements of people with intellectual disabilities receive the recognition they deserve, so they can also be supported and promoted by Swiss Olympic and mainstream sports federations.
Position 6: The prerequisite of good health
A prerequisite to engaging in sports and improving one’s performance is good health. Persons with intellectual and multiple disabilities still face obstacles in navigating the Swiss health care system. They are spoken down to, not given information that they can understand, encounter structures that are not designed to meet their needs and have lower life expectations than the national average. Their access to prevention, exercise and health education resources is also greatly limited.
We improve the physical and social-emotional well-being of people with intellectual disabilities and promote their access to health, wellness, and care systems.
Position 7: The right to co-determination
SOSWI is committed to ensuring that people with intellectual and multiple disabilities have the opportunity
to participate in decision-making and taking on responsibilities. At the same time, we are aware of the need
for new forms of communication, co-determination and decision-making processes. Internally, we maintain a critical view of how actual participation could take place and what it could bring.
We involve people with intellectual disabilities at all levels of the organisation in decision-making and development processes, in line with their abilities and strengths.
Position 8: Recognition for caregivers
Every sports activity in Switzerland depends on committed people who create the conditions for physical activity, play, and sport programmes. This also applies to people with intellectual disabilities. In the Swiss sports system, it is generally difficult to find these people and support them in a way that enables them to carry out their role regularly, without burning out or failing.
We identify, empower, and support people who create physical activity, play, and sport programmes for people with intellectual disabilities, and we advocate for their visibility, social recognition, and appreciation.
Swiss Inclusive Sport
We have a service agreement with the association Swiss Inclusive Sport, particularly with regard to the support, care, and training of mainstream sports associations, mass sports events, and other stakeholders, so that inclusive sports programs are created and have a lasting impact.
Political Engagement
We are committed to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Sport and support political initiatives such as the Inclusion Initiative. In doing so, we are creating the necessary framework to anchor our vision at the political level.