AREA MANAGEMENT TEAM
Cathy Vetter – Area Director, Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator, Finance Coordinator
Nick Cullen – Sports Coordinator
Margot Smith – Fundraising Coordinator
Shalynn Vetter – Administration/Operation Compliance & Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator
Wendy Schweitzer – Marketing/Social Media Coordinator, Grant Writing Coordinator
Mark Wald – Athlete Representative
Mandy Nagel – Unified Champion School Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people eight years of age and older with developmental disabilities. For more than 50 years, Special Olympics has provided athletes with opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Who is eligible?
Special Olympics is open to individuals with developmental disabilities ages 8+ Each athlete must register to participate in Special Olympics as required by the General Rules. Athletes must be a minimum of eight years old. There is no maximum age limitation for participation.
How does an athlete register to participate?
Each athlete much submit a medical form and a release form. This includes a one-time physical by a physician and physician signs the medical form. Once that is on file with Special Olympics, unless an athlete has an underlying condition (such as a heart condition, seizures, etc.), they are only required to fill out the renewal paperwork. In addition to the medical form, the guardian of a minor athlete or the adult athlete signs the release form. Once these forms are on file in the Special Olympics office, the athlete can attend practice in his/her preferred sport(s). Please contact us for an Athlete Registration form, or find instructions for downloading the form online from https://specialolympicsnd.org/resources/forms.html
What is Unified Sports®?
Special Olympics is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Unified Sports brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. In Bismarck, we offer unified sports in Volleyball, Soccer, Bocce and Cornhole.
In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability. Led by a volunteer coach, they train as a team for competitions. Partners, who are non-developmentally disabled, participate in the sports and help coaching and organizing the team. Spending a couple hours a week together gives everyone a chance to develop sports skills, build relationships, break down barriers, and come together as a team.
How do I become a unified partner?
If you are interested in being a partner for volleyball, cornhole, soccer or bocce, we would love to talk to you! Contact us and Cathy will answer all your questions!
Does Special Olympics offer programs for athletes of all levels and abilities?
Special Olympics prides itself on providing programs for all skill levels abilities. Both the traditional and unified programs evaluate athletes for their skill level at the start of the season. From there, they are placed on teams or in practice groups with others of similar ability levels.
How much does it cost to participate in Special Olympics?
Participation in Special Olympics is free to eligible athletes thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses that believe in our athletes.
Does Area 10 need volunteers?
YES! Without volunteers, there wouldn’t be Special Olympics ND - Bismarck. They serve as coaches, unified partners, directors and a variety of other important roles. Whether it’s a for a special event, your favorite sport, or every season, we can’t do it without the support of our volunteers. They are the lifeblood our program and we think they get as much back (if not more) as they give! Contact Cathy to learn more.
