• 3200 Mountain View Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501
  • Phone: 1-907-222-7625
  • info@specialolympicsalaska.org
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Senior Program

Providing inclusive health promotion, physical activity and Unified Sports designed for people with 

and without intellectual disabilities aged 35 and older.

Here's how it works

Sports participation at every age level has its unique benefits, qualities and needs. As older athletes with intellectual disabilities progress through Special Olympics sports programs they may experience decline and change which can impact needs, supports and motivation for success in the program may change. As with typical seniors (without IDD), aging effects can impact the person in areas important to safe and enjoyable sports and fitness. These might include physiological, sensory, social and family/support that can have direct impact on successful participation in Special Olympics Program.

Having said that, there are many facets and opportunities with the senior program.

Options are continuing to be developed.

Current programs

1. Sports Training and Competition (Unified and Traditional)

The primary program for seniors is the same as the Special Olympics program for everyone. It involves qualified volunteer coaches, sports training, competition and criteria that each athlete must meet to participate as well as advance to higher competition. As with all Special Olympics age groups, sport selection, team composition and competition opportunities are designed to reflect same gender, age and ability.

 

While all sports that Special Olympics provides are an option for participation, the opportunities most popular to current senior athletes are Unified and include:

  • Bocce
  • Golf
  • Bowling
  • Swimming
  • Snowshoeing
  • Motor Activity Training Program
  • Developmental/Skills Level of all Special Olympics sports

2. Recreational Sports (Unified and Traditional)

This program meets all of the criteria to participate in Special Olympics Alaska including registration, coaching qualifications, volunteer training and supervision, athlete experience standards and awards, etc. However, the program may be designed with modifications in regard to the rules of the sport, the length of the season, training requirements, formality of competition, and the award provided.

3. Unified Fitness

This program meets all of the criteria to participate in Special Olympics Alaska including registration, coaching qualifications, volunteer training and supervision, athlete experience standards and awards, etc. However, the program is based on physical activity, exercise and health promotion. Teammates (persons without intellectual disabilities) work within a group setting with a personalized fitness plan created with his or her unique needs and goals in mind. Current Unified Fitness programs include:

  • Strength and conditioning program
  • Walking club
  • Running club
  • Unified Sports Series
  • Circuit training
  • Zumba/Aerobics
  • Yoga
  • Health Education Series

The Coach

  • Meets all requirements of Special Olympics Alaska
  • Participates in coaches training and ongoing coaches’ education
  • Is familiar and/or trained in effects of aging and requirements for safe fitness/physical activity/sports specific to IDD and elements related to decline involved with aging.

Teammate: The Athlete

  • Age
  • Ability level
  • Risk management
  • Deterioration of musculoskeletal system
  • Memory, vision, hearing
  • Strength, balance,
  • Medications
  • Choice

Teammate: The Partner

  • Person without an IDD who participates alongside the senior athlete. The partner should also have the opportunity to benefit from the impact of sports/physical activity and fitness that Special Olympics provides.
  • This person should be an adult over the age of 30, preferable a senior community member (AGE) and/or adult family member, DSP or support person, professional or student in the field of geriatrics and/or fitness.
 

Resources:

Advice & Planning | Retirement Communities | Senior Housing (seniorhousingnet.com)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Emily Vandergon – Inclsuive Health Manager

3200 Mountain View Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501
emily2@specialolympicsalaska.org
907.222.7625 ext. 612