Unified Sports Rivalry Series ToolKit
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!
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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
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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
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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
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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 $60 Approx. cost ($2.50 per medal for 24 medals) medals/ribbons/trophy) 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 $250 and banners; digital signage
Total $5,385
Total Amount Donated $1,830
Total covered by SOI and Program $3,555
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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
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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
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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.
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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?
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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”
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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)
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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.
TERMINOLOGY 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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:
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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
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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!
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Unified Sports Rivalry Series
Appendix B
Example of Town Proclamation
(From North Carolina)
See next page
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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 TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL ON THIS THE FOURTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN.
/5i:fii.KKrEINSCHMIDT, MAYOR
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Unified Sports Rivalry Series Appendix C
Sample Game Day Flyer
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Unified Sports Rivalry Series Appendix D Sample Equipment List
ITEM FUNCTIONAL AREA VENDOR QUANTITY COMMENTS
Air Pump Competition SONC 1
Awards Backdrop Venue Management SONC 3 to place behind team benches and 1 in lobby
Awards Box Awards SONC 0 tCwono steainsts o bf ogoomld b&o sx,il veextr rmea bdataltse, ries, aalreadywards l taraybelles, md usic, awards, script and labels
Banner SONC Support Svc - SONC 1 to put on front of score table Log./Equipment
Banner SONC Venue Management SONC 1 hang at public entrance from ceiling
Banner SONC Venue Management SONC 2 specially made signs - 6'x6' to hang on glass in lobby
Banner Welcome Venue Management 1 hang at public entrance from ceiling
Basketball men's size Competition SONC 2
Batteries D Support Svc - SONC 10 Log./Equipment
Bench Competition Facility 2 cuhsaierds for teams (i.e. soccer, etc.)
Chair Venue Management Facility 210 spectators, cheerleaders, announcer/score table
Clipboard Administration/Res SONC 2 ults
Cooler Round Water Support Svc - Facility 2 Log./Equipment
Cup Mini Support Svc - Facility 50 To place with water coolers Log./Equipment
Cup Mini Support Svc - SONC 100 To place with water coolers Log./Equipment
Drinks Support Svc - Food Venue Team Services
Easel Competition SONC 2
Flag Banner (teardrop) Support Svc - SONC 2 To place by main entrance - should Log./Equipment 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 - SONC 10 Enough for signage and a few extra Log./Equipment
Ladder - Short Venue Management Facility 1
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