Families: The Power Behind the Glory that is Special Olympics.

Through Special Olympics, over 1 million athletes – and their families – are discovering that a bright future lies ahead.

“I have new heroes and they are the parents of persons with intellectual disabilities. They demanded that their children be treated like other children. They said, my children are of value. In 10 to 15 years, we are going to have millions of athletes involved in Special Olympics around the world and the parents are going to say to everyone, ‘We won.’” --Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Honorary Chair, Special Olympics

Sometimes, having a family member with an intellectual disability can be very isolating. But it doesn’t have to be. Special Olympics Hawaii can help by providing families opportunities to meet other families, share experiences and learn from one another. At Special Olympics Hawaii you will find hope, celebration, pride, acceptance and support. And most of all, you'll find friendships that will last a lifetime.

In 2000 Special Olympics Hawaii developed the ‘Ohana Task Force to help provide activities for family members throughout the state of Hawaii. State activities are developed during the state Summer Games and the state Holiday Classic. Each Area program has an ‘Ohana Task Force representative that develops family activities within their own area.

For more information about the ‘Ohana Task force contact your 'Ohana representative.

Family members can be involved in helping Special Olympics programs in their community in many different ways. By volunteering to:

• Provide transportation for athletes to practices and competitions
• Make phone calls to other family members
• Become a chaperon for your team
• Help raise funds to support your Special Olympics area program
• Serve on an area committee and help develop your area program by recruiting athletes and volunteers
• Serve on the Area Families committee
• Become a Unified® Partner
• Volunteer to help at competitions
• Coach your child's team in a sport you have experience in
• If in a remote area, home train your child so they can compete in area and state competitions
• Organize social gatherings for all athletes on your child's team
• Support the program through in-kind products or services, or by cash donations
• Attend competitions as a spectator

If you are interested in becoming a more active family member in the Special Olympics program in your area, please contact your Area Director or your 'Ohana representative.

Each year, Special Olympics Hawaii develops a family track at their Annual Leadership Conference. It is a wonderful time for family members from around the state to be able to come together, visit, share experiences, learn about new programs and agencies, and just to enjoy time with their Special Olympics ‘Ohana.

Special Olympics families have the most inspiring stories. If you would like to view some of those wonderful life changing stories click here.