“Inspire Greatness”	"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." - Athlete Oath
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	Coaches Across Pennsylvania, more than 4,000 coaches instruct, guide, support, and encourage Special Olympics athletes toward new goals. They teach the tangibles of competitive athletics -- fundamentals, techniques, strategy -- and the equally important intangibles -- sportsmanship, teamwork, team spirit, self-confidence. Most coaches have full-time jobs as business people or educators, but they always find the time for coaching in addition to performing other duties such as obtaining equipment and transporting athletes. Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics programs around the world. More than 50,000 certified Special Olympics coaches in the United States provide Special Olympics athletes with the sports skills and competitive spirit that define a true athlete. Coaches not only provide skills training for athletes, but they are also role models and character builders. Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve. Coaches often begin as volunteers at an event. Although no specific sport skill is required to be eligible to coach, many coaches already have expertise in the sport they select. To become a certified Special Olympics coach, an individual must participate in a training course. The first level of training is the general session or volunteer orientation, which offers information on Special Olympics as an organization, rules, programs, mental retardation, and the stipulations for eligibility. After focusing on a specific sport, the prospective coach attends a coaches school in that sport and participates in a 10-hour practicum in which he or she trains athletes. Upon completion, he or she is eligible for certification. Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards they receive are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they can offer the athletes they train. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life. For more information about outreach, contact: Special Olympics Pennsylvania, 124 Washington Square, 2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Norristown, PA 19403, Or Call (800) 235-9058 or (610) 630-9450.

ã2004 Fayette County Special Olympics
Last Updated by Jim Thomas on Friday, November 26, 2004