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Participants in Special Olympics programmes are healthier and happier according to new research
Participants in Special Olympics programmes are healthier and happier according to new research

Participants in Special Olympics programmes are healthier and happier according to new research

Researchers at Dublin City University have found that participants in Special Olympics programmes reported a better quality of life than people with intellectual disabilities who do not take part in Special Olympics.

Participants in Special Olympics (SO) programmes were found to be more active, physically fitter and had a greater sense of well-being.

Their involvement also had a positive impact on their families who cited a greater social network and an increased sense of family pride at being part of SO.

The study found that the net present value (expenditure plus monetary value of benefits) of Special Olympics programmes was measured at €4.5 million.

The SOPHIE Project (Special Olympics Programmes Health Impact Evaluation) was led by DCU’s School of Nursing and Human Sciences in collaboration with the School of Health and Human Performance, DCU, the University of York, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast.

The aim of the research was to explore whether people with intellectual disabilities (ID) who took part in Special Olympics (SO) programmes are healthier and happier than people with ID who do not take part.

The study is the first of its kind taking into account detailed face-to-face surveys, physical measurements and qualitative information gathered from people with ID who take part in SO Programmes and people with ID who do not.

Dr Mary Rose Sweeney, Senior Lecturer at DCU’s School of Nursing and Human Sciences and Principal Investigator of the study said:

“The research provides us with novel quantitative and qualitative information, giving us a better understanding of the benefits, impacts and experiences of taking part in SO programmes for athletes and their carers. It will also provide useful insights into non-involvement by families of individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English said:

‘‘The report highlights the positive effects of participation in Special Olympics for our athletes and underlines the challenges in providing opportunities at a local level, to participate in high quality sport and development activities that bring life-changing experiences of increased skills, self-confidence and joy. I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Iris O’Brien Foundation whose financial support provided the funding for this important study which will benefit our organisation.”

DCU President Brian MacCraith said:

“This research makes an important contribution by highlighting the health and well-being of people with ID. It is clear from the findings that participation in Special Olympics plays an invaluable role in the lives of athletes, impacting positively on the individual but so too their families and wider communities. It also highlights the importance of a continued investment in Special Olympics Programmes and its direct impact on communities around Ireland, not to mention the economic impact.”

Commenting on the report Special Olympics Athlete Aisling Beacom said: “I hope the report will help people understand why it is good to be in the Special Olympics programmes.”

292 participants took part in the research of which there were 146 primary participants (101 athletes: 45 non-athletes) and 146 principal family carers. The barriers to participation in SO programmes were also explored. In addition, it examined the impact on families and the wider community. It also looked at the cost of delivering SO programmes.

Despite positive outcomes with respect to physical activity and self-reported levels of well-being the study also found that reliance on care-givers, very often elderly parents and a lack of transport options meant some people with ID could not access Special Olympics programmes.

It also highlighted that of the sample group, 75% of respondents were overweight or obese. It advised that health-care professionals working with people with ID should monitor the issue of overweight and obesity in people with ID.

Continued support for the existing Special Olympics programme “healthy athlete” should be provided. The report recommended a continued investment in and support for Special Olympics in addition to finding solutions to removing barriers to participation.