34
Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit

Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    8

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit

Page 2: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

2 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Dear Unified Sports Rivalry Series Program,

Thank you for your participation in one of the newest Special Olympics Unified Sports

awareness, engagement and fundraising events aimed at increasing college students and

alumni engagement. The successes of the initial Unified Sports Rivalry Games in 2014 ignited

great excitement amongst Unified Partners and created even greater demand for similar

opportunities nationwide. We have developed this toolkit as a way to help ensure you have a

successful event with minimum stress on your staff. This toolkit coordinates with the checklist

- each checklist item is broken down and explained further.

What is a Unified Sports Rivalry Game?

A Special Olympics Unified Sports game where each team represents one of the NCAA rival

teams (for example, Alabama and LSU). These games are to be held on the day of, or around

the time of, the university game.

Why host a Unified Sports Rivalry Game?

There is an endless amount of excitement and competition between University rivals. We are

looking to tap on this excitement to:

Engage our Special Olympics College Chapters and foster brand affinity for life

Expand participation and exposure of Unified Sports at the collegiate level and with

Special Olympics Programs

Increase revenue for Programs and SOI

Use as a catalyst for expanding (or creating) Unified Sports on campus and/or within

that state

Elevate the importance of Unified Sports within the general public by connecting it

to a larger event

Recruit new donors, future volunteers and get people involved with Special Olympics

via their college chapter

Encourage year-round activation for our University programs, Sororities, Fraternities,

and Sponsors

These games can be a competition series that Special Olympics can own. In the future, each

Program can mold this event model to work at the high school level and/or professional levels.

In 2014, Unified Sports had a bump of roughly 400 new participates (both partners and

athletes) in Unified Sports as a direct result of hosting only 4 of these games!

Page 3: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

3 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

What are the desired outcomes for these games?

The Unified Sports Rivalry Series gives us the opportunity to create a high profile event, which

elevates Unified Sports and our athletes to the same platform as larger collegiate events. With

this exposure the games can:

Create new revenue streams

Spread the reach of Special Olympics beyond our current fans, supporters, and

donors.

Kick-start the growth of Unified Sports at colleges and universities across the country

“LET’S GET READY TO RIIIVVVAAALLLLL!”

Thank You!

Special Olympics & the Unified Sports Rivalry Series Team

Page 4: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

4 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Index

Initial Preparations (6 months before event).................……………………………….Page 5

3 months before game…………………………………………………………………….Page 8

2 months before game…………………………………………………………………...Page 13

6 weeks before game…………………………………………………………………….Page 15

1 month before game……………………………………………………………………Page 17

3 weeks before game…………………………………………………………………….Page 18

2 weeks before game…………………………………………………………………….Page 21

1 week before game……………………………………………………………………...Page 23

Event Day…………………………………………………………………………………..Page25

Post Event Follow-Up……………………………………………………………………Page 26

Appendix A – Emcee Sample Script……………………………………………………Page 27

Appendix B – Town Proclamation Sample…………………………………………….Page 31

Appendix C – Sample Game Day Flyer…………………………………………………Page 33

Appendix D – Sample Game Day Equipment Checklist……………………………...Page 34

Page 5: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

5 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Initial Preparations [To be completed 6 months before event]

1. Assign State Level Staff to manage each piece of game – at a minimum

you will need 1 staff member from the Development, Marketing, and

Sports departments.

a. Logistics

b. Marketing/Communications

c. Volunteer Engagement

d. Unified Partners and athletes

e. Fundraising

f. Competition Management

g. Awards Management

2. Establish 2-5 student leaders to coordinate the game from both schools –

VERY IMPORTANT

a. You want this game to be driven by the students to ensure

participation, spectatorship, and volunteers

b. Make sure BOTH schools have a student leadership committee and

are engaged regardless of where the game takes place

c. If you don’t have a strong relationship with your Special Olympics

College chapters OR students on campus follow these steps:

i. Reach out to local Programs to see if they have a connection

with the University

ii. Reach out to the recreational department at each school

1. See which school would be a better host school

a. You can always switch schools the next year

iii. Reach out to your volunteer base to see if anyone has a

connection with the Universities.

iv. NOTE: If none of these avenues work, you will probably have

to wait until school is in session to establish the student

leadership. OR contact SOI to help forge these relationships.

3. Create an initial plan of action

a. Timelines

b. Budget – see sample below – Page 6

c. Communication plan

d. Logistics plan

e. Recruiting – see recruiting ideas below – Page 7

f. Fundraising – Creation of online donation platform will be handled

by SOI

Page 6: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

6 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Sample Program Budget

*This is just an example and does not reflect actual costs. Actual amounts will vary.*

Special Olympics Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Fall 2015

Item Cost Allocation and Notes

Setup

Space, field & Classroom $600 Donated by University Recreation

Referees $375 $125/ref, Coordinated through Special Olympics

state office

Microphone and Speakers $0 Donated by University Recreation

Scoreboards $0 Donated by University Recreation

Chairs/bleachers $0 Donated by University

Sports equipment (regulation size) $0 Borrowed from SO state program

Awards (Unified Sports

medals/ribbons/trophy)

$60 Approx. cost ($2.50 per medal for 24 medals)

EMS $180 $30/hour/person

Parking Attendants $180 $30/hour/person

Housekeeping $330 Donated by University Recreation

Security $210 $35/hour/person

Team

Uniforms $600 SOI

Transportation for visiting team $300 Program/SOI

Team Hotel $500 Program/SOI

Food

Breakfast for Team & VIPs $300 Donated by Food Vendor

Lunch $500 Donated by Food Vendor

Snacks for Volunteers $100 Donate by Food Vendor

Extras

Pom Poms/Foam Fingers for Audience $150

T-shirts for Volunteers $750

Promotional materials, including flyers

and banners; digital signage

$250

Total

Total Amount Donated

Total covered by SOI and Program

$5,385

$1,830

$3,555

Page 7: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

7 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Recruiting Recommendations

The Program should be responsible for recruiting the SO athletes. These

athletes can come from an existing traditional team, Unified Team, or

multiple teams to make this new Unified team.

The students on campus should be the ones in charge of recruiting other

students to participate in the game. It is important that double the

amount of students are recruited to play so they can all be evaluated to

create the most even ability team.

Options for recruiting students on campus: o Recruit members from the Special Olympics club on campus o Work with the Recreation Department to recruit current intramural

or club sport students o Reach out to the Fraternities and Sororities on campus. Special

Olympics has a national partnership with Alpha Sigma Alpha, Phi Sigma Kappa, Sigma Tau Gamma, and Alpha Phi Omega

Page 8: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

8 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

3 months before game

1. Confirm student leadership 2. Pick a host school and connect with Recreation Department on campus

a. Connect with both schools. Most recreation departments will allow you to use the venue for free or for a VERY minimal fee. Step-by-Step instructions on Page 9

3. Fundraising software training and site build a. Headquarters will be working with Donor Drive to create

fundraising pages for this event b. There will be a few trainings prior to the games on how to use this

software. c. This software will be used by Programs to encourage fundraising

i. The team that raises the most money will start with a game time advantage (point, pick side of the field, etc.)

1. SOI will work with program to reach out to university alumni networks and current students

2. This fundraising platform will be spread through social media and encouraged through all marketing efforts

4. Program staff starts to work with students to recruit partners 5. Place order for merchandise

a. SOI be the lead on this and will be working with Program to place these orders. Most orders will need to be placed 2 months before game.

i. T-shirts will be made to sell at the game. ii. Volunteer t-shirts

iii. If the Play Unified red balls are proper regulation size they may be used during play. They will also be sold at the game

1. One Red (game) Ball will be given to winning team iv. Uniforms (if we can’t get them donated)

6. Schedule first meeting with the following attendees. Sample Agenda below - Page 10

a. Host School and Visiting School Staff b. Student Leaders c. Program Staff

7. AFTER MEETING: a. Budget confirmed b. Location and date will be established c. 1st draft of “day of” timeline – sample below – Page 11 and 12 d. Start to get the word out about the game e. Start to recruit athletes and Unified Partners

8. 10 weeks out - schedule tryouts/screening day to select teams

Page 9: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

9 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

How to connect with the Recreation Department

Below is information and tips on how to work with the campus Recreation department on campus.

Making the First connection:

Connecting with the recreation department should be a joint effort by the Program staff and student leaders on campus. Typically the students will know a little about the recreation department because that is where the student gym and recreational activities are held on campus. If the students do not know anyone within the recreation department, do a quick search online to find the appropriate staff.

o Search [name of the university] campus recreation example: Duke University campus recreation

o Find the contact information for individuals with the following titles:

Intramural Coordinator Club Sport Coordinator Director of Recreation

o Have the students reach out to these individuals and explain that they would like to host a Unified rivalry game on campus. It is vital that the students make the first “ask.” The recreation department will be much more responsive if this game is led by the students.

o During the first correspondence have the students request a meeting with members of the recreation department and Program staff.

If there is difficulty connecting to the recreation department on campus, contact SOI and they will help make the connection.

Page 10: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

10 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Meeting #1 Agenda

Special Olympics Unified Rivalry Series Team Meeting Agenda (Meeting Day and Time) Welcome & Brief Description of the Event Game Day Location of Game Tip-Off Time Updates Location & Timing

o Separate entrances Parking Setup

o Chairs o Tables o Banner o Possibility of day before setup?

Food Transportation Security Marketing & Media VIPS Volunteers & Roles Competition

o Referees o Game rules (SOI/NFHS, et)

Award Ceremony Misc

o Cheerleaders & Mascot o Line Monitors & Tents o Announcer o Game Day program, o Global messengers, “reporters” o Student Coach

Conclusion Any questions? Anyone else we can add to the team?

Page 11: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

11 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

“DAY OF” Timeline *SAMPLE*

Name of Unified Sports Rivals Game

Friday

Time Who What

3:00PM Everyone Venue team meets to do initial setup - test sound system!

Equipment delivered from state Program as well as from SO College group

Saturday

Time Who What

7:00AM University Staff Venue opens, facility turns off alarms on doors

7:15AM Program Staff Venue team puts directional signage out on way to venue

7:15AM Everyone Program Staff, SO College, Venue Team leadership arrive at facility

7:40AM Ensure venue signage is placed in appropriate area according to layout

7:45AM Student Leaders Ensure volunteer & VIP check-in is ready - SHIRTS for both

7:50AM Complete set up:

Score tables and chairs (1 scorer's table @ mid-court, team benches, 2 chairs at scorer's table

Set up 1 easel with honored guest check-in sign and place a check-in notebook in this area

Set up 1 easel with volunteer check-in sign at desk

Signs put out - make sure drinks are kept cool and both drinks and snacks are tucked away so people don't take any before ready

Set up volunteer check-in with shirts and volunteer packet, information

Fill water coolers and place where needed with cone cups

Make sure basketballs are pumped up

8:00AM Student Leaders Set up water, fruit and granola bars to distribute to teams and to volunteers

Page 12: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

12 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

8:00AM Student Leaders Volunteers arrive, given assigned tasks

8:15AM Student Leaders Teams arrive, given fruit and water

8:15AM Student Leaders Ensure Honored Guest check-in is ready

8:15AM EMS Ensure medical personnel have arrived

8:30AM Student Leaders Volunteer training (keeping score, working the clock, overall schedule, etc.)

8:30AM Unified Teams Team warm up

8:45AM Confirm volunteers and officials are in place for competition to begin

8:50AM Celebrity Welcome

8:55AM Celebrity Mayor reads proclamation

8:55AM Band Name National anthem

9:00AM Celebrity Announcer introduces teams, and competition begins

9:00AM Tip-off

9:30AM Student Leaders Chick-Fil-A arrives to set up

9:30AM Halftime – University Cheerleaders

10:00AM Approximate end time for game

10:10AM Celebrity Wrap-up and Awards Ceremony begins

10:30AM Extra t-shirts distributed

10:30AM Student Leaders Volunteers start cleanup while celebration begins separately

10:30AM Chick-Fil-A celebration breakfast for athletes, coaches, Program staff, and SO College Exec

11:00AM Start to break down venue (take down signage outside)

11:30AM Finish breaking down venue, gather competition materials (scorebooks, rosters, etc.) and keep separate from equipment

Page 13: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

13 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

2 months before game

1. Start Marketing for event a. All Marketing efforts should include the fundraising link and

encourage everyone to donate and attend the event. b. Start reaching out to alumni groups – if you haven’t started already.

SOI can help with this if needed/wanted c. Marketing efforts on campus need to start happening at this time

2. Confirm Unified Teams a. Collect all necessary forms (volunteer screening, Unified Partner

forms, Athlete medical forms) and input into GMS. b. Hold Evaluations of athletes and partners – see sample below –

Page 14 c. Establish practice schedule d. Establish coach(es)

3. Schedule scrimmage between teams and recruit necessary officials.

4. Review equipment needs

a. Competition-specific needs (scoreboards, game balls, etc.)

b. Review/order appropriate Special Olympics Unified Sports awards

(medals/ribbons)

5. Hold 2nd meeting with host and visiting school, student leaders, and

Program staff. Sample Agenda below.

Page 14: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

14 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Athlete Evaluations Time Table

Here is the link to how to run Unified Sports evaluations:

http://resources.specialolympics.org/uploadedFiles/special-olympics-resources/Topics/Unified_Sports/Files/4.10-Assessing-Forming%20Teams_no%20pix_9-16-12.pdf

SAMPLE Timeline of Evaluations

Time Event

3:00 Staff and students meet at gym where evaluations will be held

3:05 Venue walk thru/venue layout

3:10 Unload vehicle; begin setup

3:10 Staff and students set up gym (skill stations)

3:10 set up check-in

3:30 Test PA

3:40 Check-in area ready and staffed

3:40 Sports staff and volunteers walk through skill stations

3:45 Check-in

4:00 Ice Breaker

4:15 Make announcement for everyone to sit with school and take a seat on

bleachers

4:20 Welcome (SO College Student-)

4:30 Screening explanation split into groups (emphasize ability)

4:35 Announces everyone report to stations

4:40 Students and athletes go through first station

4:50 Announce to rotate to next station

5:00 Break

5:05 Announce teams to report back with school on bleachers

5:07 Explain screening process

5:10 First half starts

5:21 5 minute halftime

5:26 Second half begins

5:37 Game ends

5:40 When finished, sit on bleachers; coaches confer

5:45 Selection of teams- coaches stand up and select team in front of crowd

5:50 Depart

Page 15: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

15 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

6 weeks before game

1. Start external communications with potential media partners a. Start activating local media partners

2. Send out Game Day Invitations – sample below – Page 16 3. Contact City Hall for instructions on how to get a Town Proclamation

issued for Game Day a. See North Carolina’s Town Proclamation – Appendix B - Page

4. Start advertising on campus and in local businesses a. For example of flyer please turn to Appendix C on page 33

5. Establish Game day extras a. University Cheerleaders, school band, local politicians, local

celebrity, etc. 6. Confirm “day of” travel plans for Unified Teams 7. Confirm “after game” activities

a. Lunch, tailgates, etc. 8. Schedule/recruit officials for Unified Rivalry Game

a. Check with Campus Recreation to see if they recommend three highly-skilled student officials. If unsuccessful, work with SO program sport staff to use basketball officials that have officiated in SO games before.

9. Hold scrimmage a. This can be in a neutral location, or the location of the “visiting”

team. Game should follow the parameters agreed upon by coaches and used as an additional competition opportunity for the athletes and Unified Partners. No awards are given for this event.

Page 16: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

16 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Sample of Game Day Invite

[DATE]

[Name],

On November 9th 2013 at 9:30 am, Special Olympics and the University of [name] will be hosting a Special Olympics Unified Sports flag football game against [University]. The participants of this game will be [University] and [University] students as well as local Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities). This game will be on the recreation fields the morning of the larger [University] vs. [University] football game. Unified Sports is a program that combines an equal number of partners (in this case it will be university students without an intellectual disability) and Special Olympics athletes on a team where they are able to build friendship, understanding, and inclusion. It has been proven time and time again, that sports unite people under the same common goals and training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. This event is designed to build a strong relationship not only between the students and Special Olympics athletes, but also the broader community who will be invited to watch the talents and abilities of all that are involved. Myself, [University] students, and numerous University representatives have been hard at work planning the event. Together we have come up with a great execution plan and next steps to make this event a huge success. We are also in the process of creating a VIP list for the game which will include University Trustees, notable alumni, local government officials, and Special Olympics CEOs. We would be greatly honored if you and your family would be able to attend the Unified Sports Rivalry Game. This will give you the opportunity to meet the students, Special Olympics athletes, VIPs, and share in the joyful experience that is unified sports. In addition, this would allow for some great photo opportunities with the participants. Thank you for everything that you do and I look forward to hearing back from you. Best,

Page 17: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

17 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

1 month before game

1. Get Photographer

a. Use the student photographers OR a photographer your Program

already uses/has a relationship with.

2. Schedule 3rd meeting with host and visiting school, student leaders,

Program staff

3. Continue to promote game on campus with flyers and in student

newsletters/communications

4. Student Leaders

a. Recruit volunteers and spectators for game

b. Reach out to Special Olympics college club, fraternities, sororities,

student government, etc.

i. SOI will reach out to our the national offices of our Greek

partners

5. Pre-game hype article to be published in University and Alumni

publications

6. Secure food vendors (breakfast and lunch)

a. The goal is to have the food donated. Best to have students make

“the ask” of the University restaurants.

b. If the students can’t secure a food vendor from the campus,

Program will need to start reaching out to local food vendors

7. Last practice for Unified Teams should be scheduled for the coming weeks

8. Travel schedule and game day schedule for Unified Teams needs to be

confirmed

Page 18: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

18 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

3 weeks before game

1. Confirm game extras

a. University Cheerleaders, school band, local politicians, local

celebrity, etc. See “Game Extras 2015-2016” separate from this

document.

2. Confirm officials and train on Special Olympics Unified Sports and specific

sport rules

3. Send media advisory – see example below – Page 19-20

4. Major push for fundraising

a. Email your volunteers, alumni groups, corporate partners, staff, etc.

b. Post fundraising link to social media pages

c. Emphasize that the school that raises the most money will start

with an advantage of some kind.

Page 19: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

19 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Sample Media Advisory

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2014 Contact: Megan O’Donnell SONC VP of Communications 919-818-4598; [email protected]

Inaugural Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game Features Teams from Chapel Hill and Durham on March 8

Special Olympics athletes team up with students from UNC and Duke to compete in a

“Unified Battle of the Blues”

Name of Event: UNC vs. Duke Special Olympics Unified Sports Rivalry Basketball

Game Date/Time: Saturday, March 8

9 a.m. Location: Brodie Gym- East Campus, 20 Brodie Gym Dr.,

Duke University, Durham 27708

Description:

Special Olympics North Carolina athletes from Orange and Durham counties will join together on the same team with students from the Special Olympics College programs at the University of North Carolina and Duke University to compete in the first-ever UNC vs. Duke Special Olympics Unified Sports Rivalry Basketball Game on Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at Duke University’s Brodie Gym.

Special Olympics’ Unified Sports initiative joins people with and without

intellectual disabilities on the same team to promote social inclusion through

shared sports experiences. Unified teams are made up of people of similar age and

ability. The students from UNC and Duke are members of the SO College program

at their respective universities. SO College connects college students and

individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport to build friendships and help

lead the social justice movement of Special Olympics.

Page 20: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

20 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

The UNC Special Olympics Unified team roster consists of the following UNC

students (Unified Partners) and Special Olympics Orange County athletes: Connor

Fitzpatrick (Partner), Ryan Team (Partner), Casey Brecher (Partner), Trey Bryant

(Partner), Jack Eiselt (Partner) ¸ Allie Jorgensen (Partner), Clyde Gattis, Kwame

Alston, Travis Hatley, Shalonda Farrington, Adrian Empson, Antonio Prevatte,

Jamie Hester, Kenneth Poteat, Richard Vaughan, Kevin Thomas. The team is

coached by Special Olympics Orange County head coach Jonathan Wilson and

assistant coach and UNC student Kelsey Knight.

The Duke Special Olympics Unified team roster consists of the following Duke

students (Unified Partners) and Special Olympics Durham County athletes: Tapiwa

Sondayi (Partner), Loren Roth (Partner), Candice Dunn (Partner), Peter Cangialosi

(Partner), Logan Beyer (Partner), Shelby Horton (Partner), Lauren Hegedorn

(Partner), Khalif Ruebin, Grant Stiff, Carlos Ward, Jonathan Small, Donnell

Osborne, Terrance Askins, Alex Roper, Randolph Reid. The team is coached by

Special Olympics Durham County head coach Eugene Mosley Jr. and assistant

coach and Duke Student Kelly Bies.

Long-time Special Olympics supporter and radio voice of the Duke Blue Devils, Bob Harris, will serve as the emcee the game. The game is free and open to the public.

-###-

About Special Olympics North Carolina Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These athletes inspire greatness through their success and provide motivation to the thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers Olympic-type competition in 19 sports on local and state levels. Visit Special Olympics North Carolina at www.specialolympicsnc.com. Engage with us on http://twitter.com/sonc_beafan; http://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNC and http://www.youtube.com/BeAFanSONC.

Page 21: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

21 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

2 weeks before game

1. Final meeting with host and visiting school, student leaders, Program staff

2. Food Vendor contract finalized

3. Receive shipment of t-shirts, uniforms, red balls

4. Create final roster for game – see example below – Page 22

5. Print any promotion materials being used

a. For Campus distribution

b. Media outlets (if necessary)

Page 22: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

22 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Sample Roster

# Name Hometown Height Position Name Washington, D.C. 5’ 3” Assistant Coach

“Quote”

1 Name Durham, NC 5’ 6” Guard/Forward

“Quote”

13 Name New Bern, NC 5’ 7” Guard

“Quote”

0 Name Middletown, NJ 6’ 0” Shooting Guard

“Quote”

2 Name Sicklerville, NJ 5’ 8” Guard

“Quote”

5 Name Mt. Pleasant, SC 5’ 8” Guard

“Quote”

3 Name Memphis, TN 5’ 9” Guard

“Quote”

12 Name Durham, NC 5’ 7” Center

“Quote”

22 Name High Point, NC 6’ 1” Forward

“Quote”

21 Name Durham, NC 5’ 5” Guard/Forward

“Quote”

23 Name Birmingham, AL 5’ 6” Guard

“Quote”

14 Name Durham, NC 5’ 11” Guard/Forward

“Quote”

20 Name Durham, NC 6’ 3” Center

“Quote”

10 Name Harare, Zimbabwe 5’ 9” Point Guard

“Quote”

15 Name Durham, NC 6’ 2” All

“Quote”

4 Carlos Ward Durham, NC 6’ 2” Point Guard

“Quote”

Page 23: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

23 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

1 week before game 1. Send final media advisory – see example from above – Page 19-20

a. Confirm what media will be attending

i. Create Media Notes for the media attending the game—See

Sample Page 24

ii. SOI will also provide a new template for use

2. Unified teams to hold final practice

3. Last fundraising push

a. Email your volunteers, alumni groups, corporate partners, staff, etc.

b. Post fundraising link to social media pages

c. Emphasize that the school that raises the most money will start

with a point advantage.

d. Make it a competition and FUN

4. Create and email volunteer duties and “day of” logistics (i.e. where to park,

what time to be there, etc.)

5. Finalize “day of” timeline

a. Establish an event day director (if you haven’t already)

6. Secure Town Proclamation (if doing this)

Page 24: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

24 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Sample Media Notes

Thank you for taking the time to join us today. Below are some key facts about

Special Olympics, Unified Sports®, our ESPN Partnership and the LSU vs.

Alabama flag football game.

TERMI N OLOGY

Refer to participants in Special Olympics as “Special Olympics athletes”

rather than “Special Olympians” or “Special Olympic athletes.”

Refer to individuals, persons or people with intellectual disabilities, rather

than “intellectually disabled people” or “the intellectually disabled.”

Refer to students who participated in the Unified Sports game as “unified

partners.”

Students from both schools are a part of SO College (Special Olympics

College) which is a nation-wide network of college level student-led clubs

on campus.

GAME FACTS

The Unified Sports teams are comprised of students from The University of

Alabama and Louisiana State University, as well as local Special Olympics

athletes from Tuscaloosa and Baton Rouge.

Each Unified Sports team has equal number of partners and athletes that

are equally matched based off of ability level.

This is the first/second/third annual Unified Sports flag-football game

between the schools, the tradition will continue next year at LSU.

Cheerleaders for both teams are Special Olympics Athletes.

The game will be hosted at the Outdoor Fields Complex under the

management of University Recreation at The University of Alabama

Game officials are provided by the University Recreation Intramural Sports

Department

ESPN PARTNERSHIP

The Walt Disney Company and ESPN are the Global Presenting Sponsors and

Official Media Sponsors of Special Olympics Unified Sports®.

With a multi-million dollar financial and in-kind investment, Disney and ESPN

will support Special Olympics’ goal of registering one million Unified Sports

participants, including athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities),

teammates (individuals without intellectual disabilities) and coaches, by

2015.

Page 25: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

25 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

EVENT DAY

1. Make sure to arrive at the venue early

2. Meet University Staff to open venue

3. Bring all game materials

a. Volunteer shirts

b. Pens, highlighters, etc.

c. Waivers

d. Game Day Programs (if you have created one)

e. Tables

f. Merchandise

g. Red Balls (for game winner and for purchase)

h. Competition sports equipment (i.e. regulation game balls)

i. Music

j. Emcee Scripts – see Appendix A for example – Page 27

i. Presentation of Town Proclamation

k. Awards Kit

i. Medals

ii. Trays

iii. Scripts

iv. Labels (to mark the medal with the athlete/partner name

and event)

l. Any extras for the fans or cheerleaders (pom poms, foam fingers,

etc.)

4. Set up check-in table for players, referees, media, photographer, and

volunteers

5. Set up banners (if allowed by University)

6. Meet with food vendors to set up breakfast and lunch for players

7. Set up any game “extras” - i.e. games, tables, etc.

Page 26: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

26 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Post-Event Follow-Up

1. Produce results and press release for media

2. Send thank-you to volunteers, vendors, VIP’s, donors, etc.

3. Hold evaluation meeting with key constituents (student leadership, SO

program staff, key volunteers, etc.)

4. Return all borrowed/rented equipment

Page 27: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

27 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Appendix A Emcee Script Example (from Special Olympics North Carolina)

DUKE/UNC Unified Basketball Game Announcer’s Script

March 7, 2015 – 9 a.m. East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill

Emcee

Good Morning! Welcome to the 2015 Special Olympics North Carolina Unified Sports Basketball Game between Duke and UNC! I am Sammy Rape, the emcee for today’s exciting Special Olympics Unified Sports rivalry game. This contest will showcase the Tobacco Road Rivalry in a most unique way!

Special Olympics Unified Sports brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to compete. In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability, which makes practices more fun and games more challenging and exciting for all.

Today’s UNC team will include Special Olympics athletes from Orange County and members of the Special Olympics College program at the University of North Carolina. The Duke team will include Special Olympics Durham County athletes and members of the Special Olympics College program at Duke University. The Special Olympics College programs connect higher education students with individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport to build friendships and a more inclusive and accepting world for all.

EMCEE

Now to get us started, ladies and gentlemen, please join Special Olympics North Carolina by standing in honor of our nation and those who serve it. Please rise for the playing of our national anthem.

(playing of National Anthem)

EMCEE

Please be seated. This “Unified Battle of the Blues” game in Chapel Hill is quite historic! And we are pleased to have two of the UNC Unified Tar Heels step forward this morning to accept a proclamation sent from the Mayor of Chapel Hill.

Page 28: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

28 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Please welcome,

Jeff DeLuca, Aide to Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt who will now read and present the proclamation to Tar Heels team members Special Olympics Orange County Athlete Travis Hatley and Unified Partner Gary Allen.

(Jeff reads and presents proclamation)

EMCEE

Thank you. Special Olympics is also thankful to ESPN for their support in making opportunities like this game a reality! ESPN is collaboration with Special Olympics to leverage the power of sports and promote an environment of social inclusion through the Special Olympics Unified Sports program. With a multi-million dollar financial and in-kind investment, ESPN is supporting Special Olympics’ goal of registering one million Unified Sports® participants by 2015. This includes athletes with intellectual disabilities, teammates without intellectual disabilities and coaches.

EMCEE

It’s now my pleasure to welcome Special Olympics North Carolina athlete Kwame Alston of Chapel Hill to deliver the Special Olympics Athlete Oath. Athletes please stand and repeat after Kwame.

(Athlete delivers Oath)

ATHLETE- KWAME ALSTON

"LET ME WIN. (Athletes repeat)

BUT, IF I CAN NOT WIN, (Athletes repeat)

LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT." (Athletes repeat)

EMCEE

Now let’s meet the teams! The visitors in today’s matchup, representing Duke University,

Duke Players include:

Page 29: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

29 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

# 0 Kelly Vittetoe - Knoxville, TN - 5’ 10” - Forward

# 1 Terrance Askins - Durham, NC - 5’ 6” - Guard/Forward

# 4 Carlos Ward - Durham, NC - 6’ 2” - Point Guard

# 12 Donnell Osborne - Durham, NC - 5’ 7” - Center

# 14 Khalif Ruebin - Durham, NC - 5’ 11” - Guard/Forward

And the Starting Lineup for the Blue Devils is:

# 3 Emily Aarons - Raleigh, NC - 5’ 7 - Guard

# 13 Logan Beyer - New Bern, NC - 5’ 7” - Guard

# 15 Grant Stiff - Durham, NC - 6’ 2” - All

# 20 Jonathan Small - Durham, NC - 6’ 3” - Center

# 21 Alex Roper - Durham, NC - 5’ 5” - Guard/Forward

The Blue Devils are coached by Head Coach Eugene Mosley Jr. . (applause)

EMCEE

And now your home team, the UNC TAR HEELS!

Players include:

# 0 Gary Allen - Smithfield, NC - 6'2 - Forward

# 1 Ryan Team - Charlotte, NC - 5’ 11” - Guard

#11 Austin Hampton - Washington, DC - 5’ 10” - Guard

# 13 Adrian Empson - Chapel Hill, NC - 5'10 - Forward

#15 Danny Brennan - Charlotte, NC - 6’3” - Forward

# 20 Clyde Gattis - Chapel Hill, NC - 5'8" - Guard

# 21 Richard Vaughan - Chapel Hill, NC - 6'1" - Forward

Page 30: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

30 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

And the Starting Five for the Tar Heels are:

# 2 Kevin Thomas - Chapel Hill, NC - 5’ 6” - Guard

# 3 Joseph Lopez - Dallas, TX - 5’8 - Forward

# 10 Travis Hatley - Chapel Hill, NC - 6'1" - Forward

# 12 Kwame Alston - Chapel Hill, NC - 6'1" - Center

# 23 Connor Fitzpatrick - Delray Beach, FL - 6’ 0” - Forward

The Tar Heels are coached by Head Coach Jonathan Wilson and Assistant Coaches Richard Berryman, Bill Meyer.

We wish the best of luck to Both Teams!

We also want to recognize our officials at this morning’s game. Thanks to Dan Costa and Horace Cameron for their work with the whistle today!

Now it’s time to Tip it Up!

Page 31: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

31 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Appendix B

Example of Town Proclamation

(From North Carolina)

See next page

Page 32: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

32 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Proclamation

WHEREAS, Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting

understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through

year-round sports training and athletic competition, Special Olympics North C a r o l i n a involves more

than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics has created a model

community that celebrates people's diverse gifts; and

WHEREAS, SO College connects college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through

sports to build friendships and help lead the social justice movement of Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, team sports bring people together, Special Olympics Unified Sports initiative joins people

with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team and promotes social inclusion through shared

sports experiences; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, Special Olympics North Carolina athletes and students from the SO College

programs at the University of North Carolina at C1!apel Hill and Duke University will join together to

compete in the second annual Special Olympics North Carolina/SO College UNC versus Duke Unified Basketball Game on March 7'h; and

WHEREAS, the Town of C1!apel Hill recognizes and appreciates the talents, abilities and

involvement of each individual involved in the Special Olympics North Carolina/SO College UNC

versus Duke Unified Basketball Game;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Kleinschmidt, Mayor of the Town of Chapel Hill, do hereby proclaim

March 7th, 2015

Special Olympics Unified Sports Day

In the Town of Chapel Hill and urge all citizens to commend this observance and support Special Olympics and the Unified Sports initiative.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND

THE SEAL OF THE TO WN OF

CHAPEL HILL ON THIS THE

FOURTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN

THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND

FIFTEEN.

/5i:fii.KKrEINSCHMIDT,

MAYOR

Page 33: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

33 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Appendix C

Sample Game Day Flyer

Page 34: Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit - Special Olympicsmedia.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and... · Unified Sports Rivalry Series 6 Unified Sports Rivalry

Unified Sports Rivalry Series

34 Unified Sports Rivalry Series

Appendix D Sample Equipment List

Contains boom box, extra batteries,

awards trays, music, awards, script

used for teams (i.e. soccer, etc.)

ITEM FUNCTIONAL AREA VENDOR QUANTITY COMMENTS

Air Pump Competition SONC 1

Awards Backdrop Venue Management

Awards Box Awards

SONC 3 SONC 0

to place behind team benches and 1 in lobby

two sets of gold & silver medals, already labelled and labels

Banner SONC Support Svc - Log./Equipment

SONC 1 to put on front of score table

Banner SONC Venue Management

Banner SONC Venue Management

Banner Welcome Venue Management

SONC 1

SONC 2

1

hang at public entrance from ceiling

specially made signs - 6'x6' to hang on glass in lobby

hang at public entrance from ceiling

Basketball men's size Competition SONC 2

Batteries D Support Svc -

Log./Equipment

SONC 10

Bench Competition

Chair Venue Management

Clipboard Administration/Res ults

Facility 2

Facility 210 SONC 2

chairs

spectators, cheerleaders, announcer/score table

Cooler Round Water Support Svc -

Log./Equipment

Facility 2

Cup Mini Support Svc - Log./Equipment

Facility 50 To place with water coolers

Cup Mini Support Svc -

Log./Equipment

SONC 100 To place with water coolers

Drinks Support Svc - Food

Services Venue Team

Easel Competition SONC 2

Flag Banner (teardrop) Support Svc -

Log./Equipment

SONC 2

To place by main entrance - should have flag (various colors), two poles to connect, and either a ground stake or crossbar base with screw

Honored Guest Check-In Sign Venue Management SONC 1

H-Stand Support Svc - Log./Equipment

SONC 10

Enough for signage and a few extra

Ladder - Short Venue Management Facility 1