Research Summary - China Impact A Comprehensive National Study of Special Olympics Programs in China Key findings: Special Olympics had a profound, positive impact on athletes and their families in China. Coaches, family members, and athletes themselves all reported significant improvements for athletes in health and fitness, self-esteem, and sports skills. Special Olympics participation also positively affected the perceptions of athletes’ family members towards people with intellectual disabilities. Many family members reported increased feelings of pride, hope for the future of the athlete, and increased appreciation for the contributions made by the athlete to the family. Special Olympic athletes in China share many qualities as Special Olympics athletes in other parts of the world and with athletes who do not have disabilities including reasons for playing sports, interest in physical fitness, and choice of social activities outside of sports. Many coaches with Special Olympics in China are highly trained in addition to Special Olympics training, and many have competed themselves on a professional or national level. Athletes are also significantly physically active outside of their involvement with Special Olympics. This research was designed to provide a comprehensive look at Special Olympics athletes, families, and coaches in China with emphasis on their experiences in sports, education, employment, healthcare, and community involvement and integration. In short, the findings agree with results from similar research in other countries and support the idea that Special Olympics has a tremendous impact on people with intellectual disabilities and that this impact extends beyond sports. As most young people with ID in China are educated in special schools, Special Olympics programs in China primarily collaborate with these schools. A greater degree of inclusion is seen in employment. For those athletes over 16 years of age and not in school, 21% are employed, and 47% of those employed work full-time in unsupported employment. Athlete health was also addressed by this study. A majority of family members (78%) rated athletes health as good to excellent, yet only 27% reported that their athlete had seen a doctor for a checkup or physical in the last 12 months; less than half had seen a dentist in the past year. Learn more...     [PDF 7K]