Research Summary - Latin America Impact A Comprehensive Study of Special Olympics Programs in Latin America: Findings from Argentina, Brazil, and Peru Key findings: Special Olympics had a profound, positive impact on athletes and their families in all three countries studied. Significant improvements were reported after participating in Special Olympics in several factors including sports skills, self-esteem, health, social skills, and social relationships, as well as family members' perceptions of their athletes and people with intellectual disability in general. Special Olympic athletes in Latin America share many qualities with 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. A significant number of adult Special Olympics athletes work full time in the community (between 20-35%). Most work in integrated workplaces in unskilled or semi-skilled labor. This study was designed to provide a comprehensive look at Special Olympics athletes and their families in Latin America 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 in countries examined in other reports, Special Olympics athletes participate for several reasons such as the opportunity to play sports, make friends, and increase fitness. In all three countries, the most important goal for participating was not sports but boosting self-esteem and relationships with others. Both athletes and their family members reported improvements in these areas and others due to participation in Special Olympics. In addition to studying the impact Special Olympics has on athletes, the study also examined the condition of people with intellectual disability in Latin America in several aspects. For example, most young people with intellectual disabilities attend special schools or special workshops specifically designed for those with disabilities, but some opportunities do exist for inclusion in community-based sports. Many family members reported positive changes in their own perceptions of their athletes because of participation in Special Olympics and some positive changes in how people with intellectual disability are viewed in their communities. Most family members, however, felt that society's overall perceptions of people with ID were still negative. Learn more...     [PDF 8K]