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100 DAYS
AWAY
TOOLKIT
100 DAYS AWAY: HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Join LA2015 as we celebrate the 100-Day Countdown to the start of the 2015 Special Olympics World
Games on July 25, 2015.
Reach Up and Celebrate with us on Thursday, April 16, 2015 and throughout the week. With your help, we
can create the awareness that leads to acceptance and inclusion of all people with intellectual disabilities.
With 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries arriving from around the globe to Los Angeles, The
World is Coming!
There are many ways you can help us spread the word about this important milestone leading up to the
World Games. Some ideas include:
•
Purchase a 2015 Special Olympics World Games Circle of Inclusion and take pictures while holding
it to show your support for the World Games. (Instructions for purchasing the Circle are coming
soon!) Some additional ways to use the Circle:
o
o
o
•
Take a picture of your Special Olympics athlete
Take a group photo with your family, friends and colleagues
Create a mini photo booth at your office with the Circle of Inclusion and invite your colleagues
to take pictures with it during the week of April 16-23.
Share your support of the World Games 100 Days Away milestone on your social media channels
using language such as:
o
The @LA2015 @SpecialOlympics World Games are #100DaysAway! Get involved! Sign up to
spread the word: http://bit.ly/LA2015Amp
o
The @LA2015 @SpecialOlympics World Games are #100DaysAway! Volunteer to CHEER:
http://bit.ly/FansInTheStands #ReachUpLA
•
Change your profile picture and cover photo starting April 16 for the week and encourage friends
and family to join you.
•
Download the soon-to-be released World Games app, snap a photo, click a button to apply the
Circle of Inclusion digitally – and then post the photo to social media. The app makes it easy to
Reach Up! (Coming soon! Stay tuned to LA2015.org)
100 DAYS AWAY: HOW TO PARTICIPATE
•
Start your own Support An Athlete page and invite friends, family and colleagues to help fund an
athlete’s participation at the World Games.
•
Become a Fan in the Stands team captain and help us cheer on all the athletes as they compete at
venues throughout Los Angeles.
•
Share your Special Olympics story with LA2015. We want to hear from you! Tell us how Special
Olympics has impacted your (or your family member’s) life; and what are you looking forward to
most about the World Games coming to Los Angeles?
•
If you’re a Corporate Partner of the World Games, send a note to your staff about your company’s
involvement and support for the 2015 World Games, including the message behind “Reach Up”
(see below). You can also take an all-staff photo in front of your office building or in front of your
company’s logo holding the Circle of Inclusion!
•
Ask your office building/headquarters and local landmarks with prominent outside lighting or
signage to light up in World Games colors! LA2015 Headquarters at OUE Skyspace Los Angeles,
as well as the pylons at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are just a couple of the
participating buildings to Reach Up. Landmarks, Buildings, Airport Terminals, Bridges, Sports Arenas,
Homes, Houses of Worship and more can participate! Please contact Danielle Yango for instructions
on how to order and install lighting filters/gels.
OUE Skyspace Los Angeles, the World
Headquarters for LA2015, with its crown lights in
World Games colors.
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Pylons lit in World Games Colors.
100 DAYS AWAY: KEY MESSAGE POINTS
About Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)
•
Thursday, April 16, 2015 marks the 100-Day countdown to the start of the
2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
•
The 25-sport competition will be held over 9 days from July 25 – August 2, 2015 in venues
across Los Angeles from Long Beach to Griffith Park.
•
7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches from 177 countries will participate, making it the largest
sporting event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics!
•
The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, July 25
and will be televised to a worldwide audience by ESPN.
• The Mission of these World Games is to create the awareness that leads to acceptance and
inclusion of all people with intellectual disabilities, which is Embodied in our logo:
• At the center of our logo is the Celebratory Figure representing the courage, determination and
joy of Special Olympics athletes. The Celebratory Pose is a universal expression of praise,
enthusiasm and celebration.
• The Celebratory Figure is inside the Circle of Acceptance and
Inclusion, the overall mission of these World Games…creating the
awareness that leads to acceptance and inclusion of all people
with intellectual disabilities.
•
And the colorful Mosaic represents the diversity of 177 countries
coming to the diverse market of Los Angeles and the opportunity
to share this mission of acceptance and inclusion with every
corner of this region.
•
LA2015 is represented virtually through the mnemonic Celebratory Pose and tagline
“REACH UP LA.” Together, these are a representation of the celebratory figure at the center of
the World Games logo. The tagline “REACH UP LA” is both a verb as well as acronym for our
brand pillars.
REACH: Respect, Enthusiasm, Acceptance, Compassion, Heart UP: Unified Play
LA: Los Angeles
Visit LA2015.org for more information on everything related to the World Games.
100 DAYS AWAY: KEY MESSAGE POINTS
About the Special Olympics Movement
•
More than 4.4 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in Special
Olympics worldwide.
•
There are 226 Special Olympics Programs in 170 countries around the world.
•
Last year, Special Olympics had over 81,000 competitions – an average of 222 games each day.
•
None of this would be possible without the support of the more than 1.3 million volunteers who
support Special Olympics Programs in their communities.
•
Special Olympics athletes have an intellectual disability (whereas athletes with physical disabilities
compete in Paralympics).
•
Special Olympics athletes are people of all ages, from 8 to over 80, not just children.
•
Inactivity, intolerance and injustice are big problems in the world, especially for those with
intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics movement is tackling these issues every day around
the world using sport as the catalyst to make this change. To assist in making change,
Special Olympics is looking to young people around the world to be the leaders to make change
in their schools, and communities.
•
Special Olympics launched the #PlayUnified campaign, that will mobilize and inspire millions of
athletes, volunteers, supporters and youth across the world to Play and ultimately Live Unified
and shape the world to one of respect and acceptance. Join today and visit playunified.org.
100 DAYS AWAY: KEY MESSAGE POINTS
Special Olympics Language Guidelines: Terms to Use, and Terms to Avoid
•
Words matter. Words can open doors to cultivate the understanding and respect that enable
people with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. Words can also create barriers or
stereotypes that are not only demeaning to people with disabilities, but also rob them of their
individuality. The following language guidelines have been developed by experts for use by
anyone writing or speaking about people with intellectual disabilities to ensure that all people are
portrayed with individuality and dignity.
•
Refer to as individuals with intellectual disabilities*, rather than “intellectually disabled people”
or “the intellectually disabled.” (People first language) * Special Olympics advocates for the
removal of the R-Word (“retarded”) in the public domain in order to promote acceptance and
inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
•
A person has intellectual disabilities, rather than is “suffering from” or is a “a victim of”
intellectual disabilities.
•
Distinguish between adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Use adults or children, or
older or younger athletes. Please do not call Special Olympics athletes “kids”.
•
Refer to participants in Special Olympics as athletes.
•
Avoid using the term “Olympic” (singular) or “Olympian” when referring to Special Olympics
activities and athletes.
o
o
Incorrect: “Special Olympians from all around the world are coming.”
Correct: “Special Olympics athletes from all around the world are coming.”
o
o
Incorrect: “Annabel is a Special Olympic athlete from California.”
Correct: “Annabel is a Special Olympics athlete from California.” (Olympics is always plural)
•
Do not use the adjective "unfortunate" when talking about persons with an intellectual disability.
An intellectual disability does not have to be life-defining in a negative way.
•
Use the word "special" with extreme care when talking about persons with intellectual disabilities.
The term, if used excessively in references to Special Olympics athletes and activities, can
become a cliché.
100 DAYS AWAY: FAQ
1.
What is significant about the 100 Days Away Milestone for the 2015 Special Olympics World
Games?
a.
The 2015 Special Olympics World Games 100 Days Away Milestone marks the countdown to the
start of the World Games on July 25, 2015. As the world’s largest sporting event this year, as well
as the largest event to take place in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games, this milestone
will help increase excitement and anticipation for the World Games in Los Angeles. In alignment
with the mission of Special Olympics, the 100 Days Away moment will highlight the abilities and
accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes, as well as the 200 million people with intellectual
disabilities worldwide. The 100 Days Away celebration is only the beginning to counting down to
this historic summer event. 2.
a.
3.
a.
What does this milestone mean for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games?
The 100 Days Away milestone is narrowing in on the proximity to the 2015 World Games this summer in Los Angeles, with the Opening Ceremony of the Games on July 25, 2015. In just a few
short months, the LA2015 World Games will showcase the courage, determination and joy of all
Special Olympics athletes, and highlight the true unifying power of sports.
Additionally, more than 100 communities across Southern California that are participating in our Host Town Program will host fundraising and awareness events that will increase the overall awareness of the World Games coming to Los Angeles this summer. To learn more about the Host Town program ad get involved, visit LA2015.org/Host-Town.
4.
a.
What type of impact does LA2015 hope to create in the community?
In addition to our ultimate mission of creating the awareness that leads to acceptance and
inclusion of all people with intellectual disabilities, these World Games will leave an impactful
legacy for Special Olympics in Southern California. Through the connections and awareness
made through the World Games, Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) aims to double the
number of athletes they serve to nearly 30,000 by 2016. The World Games and the support
created in the Host Town communities throughout Southern California will help reach this goal.
What should the Southern California community expect to take place leading up to the 2015
World Games?
In celebration of the 100 Days Away milestone, cities throughout Southern California will REACH UP with various events and activations. A key visual that will be consistent in the 100 Days Away celebration relates to the World Games logo which features a Celebratory Figure inside
the Circle of Acceptance and Inclusion. The Circle represents the overall mission of these World
Games, creating the awareness that leads to acceptance and inclusion of all people with
intellectual disabilities.
100 DAYS AWAY: FAQ
5.
a.
What can people expect at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games?
This is the first time since the 1984 Olympic Games that Los Angeles will serve as the host city
of a major international sporting event, so Los Angeles will be brimming with 7,000 athletes and
3,000 coaches from 177 countries. The 25-sport competition will be held over 9 days, from
July 25 - August 2, 2015 in venues across Los Angeles from Long Beach to Griffith Park. The
Opening Ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, July 25 and
will be televised and distributed to a worldwide audience by ESPN. The sporting competition
events are free and open to the public. Interested media can register for a credential at
LA2015.org/media and for more information.
100 DAYS AWAY: PRESS MATERIALS
Thank you for your interest in sharing your participation in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games 100
Days Away Milestone. By promoting your involvement with the World Games to your media contacts, you
will help us continue to engage media, both nationally and abroad, to come to Los Angeles and cover
the Games. We appreciate your partnership!
When writing press materials, we ask that you keep the following in mind:
•
Please note that all press materials must be reviewed and approved by LA2015 prior to
distribution related to any World Games references. For any and all media questions and requests
for approval please email mediaPR@LA2015.org to reach the LA2015 communications team.
•
Reference your 100 Days Away-related event and event
details accordingly in your organization’s tone of voice with
the related information. We ask that you communicate all
event/activation details in advance to your Account Manager
at LA2015.
•
Incorporate a quote from your organization’s CEO/media
spokesperson in your press materials/press release, as well as
one from Patrick McClenahan, President and CEO of the 2015
Special Olympics World Games. All requests for usage of
Patrick’s name must be approved in advance by the LA2015 communications team, as per the
above note.
•
Whenever possible, please include information on your company’s involvement and history with
Special Olympics and the World Games. The more you can share your company’s (and your staff
members!) story of involvement, the better!
•
When referring to the World Games, please note that the proper first citation is the “Special
Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)”. For instances thereafter, it can be shortened
to 2015 Special Olympics World Games, 2015 World Games and World Games. Please see “Key
Messages” document for more guidance.
•
Review the Key Messages document for further extended overall messages and Special
Olympics language guidelines for additional details about how to reference the Games and key
facts, as well as language to use and avoid in any press materials.
100 DAYS AWAY: PRESS MATERIALS
•
Please incorporate the following approved boilerplates for the World Games and Special
Olympics in your organization’s press materials accordingly:
About the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015
With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games being staged
in Los Angeles July 25 - August 2, 2015 – will be the largest sports and humanitarian event any
where in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic
Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, team
work, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will
feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening
Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the
1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. For more information
on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities,
visit www.LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the
transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with
intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which
leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and
programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and
intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement
has grown to more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than 1.3 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and more than
81,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Visit Special Olympics at
www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics; fb.com/
specialolympics; youtube.com/specialolympicshq; instagram.com/specialolympics and
specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.