Workbook final

161- Having fun and making friends on and off the football pitch,

Special Olympics Unified Sports Recreation, Turkey

ONTACT

Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia

Ms. Martha Jo Braycich

Belgium

32 475641468

VERALL GOAL

MISSION

The project mission is to implement the new Special Olympics Unified Sports Recreation model in Turkey for children,

aged 8-12, with and without intellectual disabilities that promotes social inclusion while increasing sports skills and

knowledge. With support from six local professional football clubs and the Turkish Football Association, Special

Olympics Turkey offers children the opportunity to learn about each other as teammates and as friends while

overcoming barriers that prevent the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in schools, sports clubs and

society. The 18-month project, from September 2014-February 2016, is supported by the King Baudouin Foundation and

is in line with the foundation's interest in delivering quality physical activity for all children thus ensuring they all have

the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sport and an active lifestyle.

HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

Special Olympics Turkey has implemented a new inclusive sports model called Special Olympics Unified Recreation to

300 children with intellectual disabilities and 300 children without intellectual disabilities in six cities. Through this

model, 600 children, aged 8-12, are able, for the first time, to participate in an inclusive sports setting based on football.

Fifty coaches from special schools and mainstream sports clubs were able to introduce the model in an inclusive setting.

Participating coaches have indicated that all children are able to build sports and fitness skills through regular trainings

and competitions. The quality of consistent training is enhanced by conducting activities in professional sports facilities

and using club trainers. The Turkish Football Association and the six professional clubs deepened their understanding of

how professional sports can contribute to developing opportunities for children, particularly those with intellectual

disabilities, and can play a role in fostering inclusion in the community. With football as the common denominator, the

inclusive experience on and off the pitch has been a positive experience for children, with many indicating that they are

happy to be part of an inclusive team and able to make new friendships. Coaches reported that through teamwork,

children with intellectual disabilities gained self-confidence while their peers learned tolerance and acceptance.