Table Tennis Australia (TTA) 's latest partnership with Special Olympics Australia will help people with an intellectual impairment to maximise their participation opportunities. Affiliated clubs and associations can now link in with SOA through their free affiliation program to offer a participation pathway at the local, state and national level.

Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports program for people with an intellectual disability – of all capabilities. Athletes train on a regular basis in their local community. Competitions include local events, annual State Games, National Games and World Games.

The goal of Special Olympics is to give people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to play sport, make friends and experience the joy and pride in competing and achieving their personal best. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.

For more information, please visit the Special Olympics Australia website: www.specialolympics.com.au or contact Yvonne Snell, National Partnership Manager at yvonnes@specialolympics.com.au.

What is intellectual disability?

Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communications, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child.

Intellectual disability can happen any time before a child turns 18 years old, even before birth. Intellectually disability is the most common developmental disability.

How can you get involved?

If your club would like to affiliate with Special Olympics Australia, please complete the Expression of Interest below and a TTA staff member will get back to you. 

What benefits do my club and participants get?

Your club will have access to the Special Olympics Australia coaching resources to assist in delivering a quality disability program. Most importantly, your participants will have the opportunity to take part in the Special O events, State and National championships, and represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Games.

How do I start a disability program at my club?

You can open up your club as a place where people with intellectual disabilities can have some structured table tennis training and/or play social games. This gives them an opportunity to do something new, but most importantly keep active and gain the social interaction that is so beneficial for them. Opening doors to participants of all abilities is very rewarding and gives everyone at your club an opportunity to create a truly inclusive environment where everyone is accepted and supported to do their best.

Please contact Aaron Tuckfield, Senior Manager (Participation and Development) aaron@tabletennis.org.au if you have any questions.