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.
Together we win! Long-time premier sponsors of Special Olympics Montanastepped forward today in a big way! First Interstate Bank announced it would donate $1 million to the SOMT Reveal the Champion in All of Us Endowment Campaign, and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation awarded......
08 June, 2021Registration for our new MOVE CHALLENGE is now open! The Move Challenge is an 8-week fitness challenge, starting on June 7th, where athletes and partners count the number of minutes they engage in intentional exercise each week. Walking, playing tennis, yoga, swimming, and dancing… it......
20 May, 2021Heather Wendell
Marketing & Design Specialist
Office: 406.315.4208
Email: hwendell@somt.org
