Special Olympics Slovakia identified several challenges in recruiting coaches because of a reluctancy among potential coaches to train athletes with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, there was a shortage of well-educated, English-speaking coaches, which limited their access to a wealth of information.
“We won’t do anything with the mindset of my [older] generation, but if we support and educate the younger generation in inclusive thinking, we can look to the future of Special Olympics athletes more satisfied and safer,” said Eva Gažová, Special Olympics Slovakia National Director.
Finding a Solution
After weeks of brainstorming, the team realized the solution was to formalize a path to attract young coaches, empowering them with confidence and official recognition. The breakthrough came in the form of an idea to establish a recognized coaching status through higher education institutions.
Forging Key Partnerships
With a clear vision, the team embarked on a mission to partner with universities renowned for their sports faculties. The goal was to work with universities to develop a program to train coaches specifically for athletes with intellectual disabilities, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity in sports education.
After three months of intensive meetings and discussions, Special Olympics Slovakia forged a partnership with two prestigious institutions: the University of Matej Bel in Banska Bystrica's Faculty of Sport, Physical Education, and Health, and the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports at Comenius University in Bratislava.
The Memorandum of Cooperation with these institutions outlined a comprehensive plan to support and develop sports activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
This Memorandum included commitments to:
- Support and develop sports activities for Special Olympics Slovakia athletes.
- Promote inclusion in sports.
- Offer specialized bachelor's and master's programs.
- Enhance visibility for active lifestyles.
- Integrate scientific knowledge into teaching and research.
Special Olympics Slovakia will implement activities for youth with intellectual disabilities, provide expertise for education programs, coordinate measures to achieve the memorandum's objectives, facilitate volunteer opportunities for faculty students and employees, and ensure mutual support and visibility of the collaboration. What happened to the focus on English-speaking coaches?
Building Capacity for the Future
This collaboration paves the way for students to apply for bachelor's and master's degrees in Teaching Physical Education and Coaching of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities starting in the 2025/2026 academic year. Special Olympics Slovakia committed to covering the lecturing and practical sessions, which will take place at Special Olympics events.
The curriculum development is currently underway, with plans to introduce the subject ‘Didactics of Inclusive Physical Education’ in 2024 and 2025. This initiative aims to produce highly qualified coaches fluent in English, equipped with specialized education in inclusive sports.
