It seems like just yesterday that Scotland hosted the 2005 Special Olympics National Games, which saw 2,500
athletes with a learning Disability visit Glasgow and compete in 23 sporting disciplines. We had 1,800 superb and trained
volunteers - all "disclosured" - and 1,500 visiting parents, so the atmosphere and support was great.
Just this week, it was announced that Leicester will host the 2009 National Games, and we need to start planning
now as I suspect that almost 800 Scottish athletes and coaches will want to attend. The planning has many phases and the communications
need to go out far and wide. So what’s new in all our considerations, apart from the long term ones such as funding
and sponsorship?
All our coaches and volunteers are disclosure checked to enhanced level; however we will need to renew their
disclosures, and this in itself is a logistic nightmare and extremely time consuming. We look forward to when the "portability
option" is finally up and running – one of the elements of the forthcoming Protection of Vulnerable Groups legislation.
Then it’s the selection process of the athletes; ensuring that all are ambassadorial, committed to
their sport, in regular training, and that there is an equality in ratios along the spectrum of ability, age, gender, geography,
all the sports and so much more.
The team, athletes and coaches, must get to know each other, so the planning of club nights, weekend training
and get togethers are essential to the harmony while away. At all times, parents and volunteers must be kept informed throughout
the planning, during the Games and afterwards with a follow up report.
While away it’s all about "in loco parentis", and more emphasis has to be given to good practice issues
such as, have the athletes phoned home or sent a postcard? Have they showered? Have they at least changed their underwear
and socks? Are the athletes and coaches on medication and if so, have they taken it? What is the state of their rooms? Are
they toileting on a regular basis? What are their eating habits? Are they eating and taking liquid regularly? Do they feel
part of the team and are they enjoying themselves? Are they sleeping OK? Are they managing their money? The list is endless!
Then there’s the tiredness for all team members, and in particular the coaches, who by this point are
exhausted with the 20-plus hour days. A support mechanism that could assist with individual rest time or even a couple of
hours off would be welcomed!
When it’s all over and we are all home safely, the final report and thank you letters need to be done.
And before you know it, the planning starts again! Hard work? Yes, but worth every minute to see the athletes enjoy the experience
of a lifetime!
If you would like more information, please contact Gordon McCormack, Games Director on 0141 287 5294 or e-mail
gordon.mccormack@pas.glasgow.gov.uk
