About Special Olympics Broward County
The mission of Special Olympics Broward County is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics Broward County provides sports training and Olympic-style competition to almost 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 22 sports through the support of over 40 training programs throughout the county. All athletes 8 years or older, no matter what your ability level, can benefit from Special Olympics. And no matter what your interest, there is a sport for you. There is no charge to participate in Special Olympics.
The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Broward County is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public's awareness of their capabilities and needs.
Special Olympics Broward County County Management Team Structure
Appreciation Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which plans and coordinates the Appreciation Picnic and the SOBC Awards Dinner.
Athlete Leadership Program: Plans and develops a program which allows athletes to serve in meaningful positions of influence and leadership in the Special Olympics Program. Recruits and trains athletes to become speakers for Special Olympics.
Budget & Finance Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which provides the accounting of all funds raised and spent. Must prepare detailed financial statements and reports, develops budget and makes recommendations as to effective means of saving and spending.
Competition/Games Committee: Responsible for recruiting various Games Management Teams throughout the year which organize and conduct all county level games and tournaments for all sports.
Families Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which develops and implements a plan to encourage parents and family members to participate in Special Olympics by coaching, helping with games, recruiting other parents and advocating Special Olympics in the community.
Fund Raising Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which develops and implements plans for raising necessary funds needed for county program.
Outreach/Recruitment Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which develops and implements a plan to reach eligible athletes, coaches and volunteers who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics. Plan needs to include reaching out to private & public schools, adults, vocational centers, institutions, group homes, Developmental Disabilities, etc.
Marketing and Communications Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which provides media coverage, press conferences and communication for all games, fund-raisers and upcoming events. Intent is to inform the public about the many things that persons with intellectual disabilities can do and the difference Special Olympics can make in their lives.
Training Committee: Responsible for recruiting a committee which develops a training plan to meet the needs of Broward County. This includes: organizing local training programs and ensuring certification of coaches, officials, and Games Directors; ensures the use of the Special Olympics Sports Skills Program Guides; ensures each local program has a training component.
Special Olympics Broward County County Management Team
Chairperson: Paul M. Sallarulo
Vice Chairperson(s): Robert Irvine, Ann Scharf
Secretary: Barbara Killen
County Management Team: Candy Allen, Joseph Brill, Nicole Brill, Susan Brill, Hon. Mindy Hirsch-Brown,Cynthia Drucker, Debbie Ducas, Andrew Hanken, Rick Kodish , Ramona Lykes, Anthony Pierce, Hope Pierce, Tom Warmington, Kerri Lynn Leonardo, ALPS Rep.,
Special Olympics Broward County Staff
Director: Linda Mills
Program Coordinator: Michelle Leonardo
Program Assistant: Evan Massa