Although society has made great strides, there still are many myths and misconceptions about intellectual disabilities. As a media professional, you are in a unique position to shape public knowledge. We need your help! The guidelines presented here offer suggestions for appropriate descriptions and preferred terminology when reporting about Special Olympics.
Special Olympics is for people with intellectual disabilities. Some Special Olympics athletes also may have physical handicaps, but the criterion for participation is intellectual disabilities. We prefer “people first” language. Therefore, instead of saying “Special Olympics is for mentally and physically handicapped persons” we say “Special Olympics is for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.”
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Photography release statement: No athlete may compete in any Special Olympics Montana (SOMT) event without having a signed release statement on file. The statement grants permission for SOMT and the media to use the athlete’s name, likeness, voice and words in television, radio, films, newspapers, magazines, and other media for the purpose of promoting and publicizing, educating the public, and raising funds.
At the Opening Ceremony at the 2019 State Basketball Tournament three Distinguished Service Award winners were announced, Coach of the Year, Spirit of Special Olympics and Athlete of the year. Congratulations to our winners and keep an eye out for more winner announcements throughout the......
13 December, 2019CEO Rhonda McCarty thanks Jim O’Day for his seven years of service on the Special Olympics Montana Board of Directors. Jim may be leaving the Board, but he’ll never leave Special Olympics Montana!...
14 November, 2019Heather Wendell
Marketing & Design Specialist
Office: 406.315.4208
Email: hwendell@somt.org
