Ecological Study on the Oral Health of Romanian Intellectually Challenged Athletes

This study aimed to give an image of the oral health status and treatment needs of intellectually challenged athletes taking part in Special Olympics—Special Smiles (SO-SS) events organized in Romania during 2011–2019 and to find potential associations with socio-economic factors. An observational ecological retrospective study was conducted, and 1860 oral examinations were performed on participants aged 8 to 30 years in nine SS-SO events. Oral examination was performed under field conditions. Percentage of caries-free subjects, mean DMF-T index and its components (D = decayed; M = missing; F = filled; T = teeth), restoration index RI = [F/(F + D) × 100]%, and Plaque Index were calculated for each of the nine groups. Caries-free subjects ranged between 5.90% and 21.70%. DMF-T ranged from 4.27 to 7.71. Higher values for “F” component (range 0.66–1.69) and RI (range 13.02–27.74%) were found in events held in cities from regions with higher reported Gross Domestic Product. Sealants were present in 0 to 8.4% of the subjects. In areas with lower numbers of inhabitants per dentist, more sealants were found (p < 0.001). Romanian SO athletes exhibited relatively poor oral health, limited access to dental treatment, and low level of prevention. Targeted prevention and treatment programs adjusted to specific conditions in each geo-economic region are needed.

Gender Differences in Self-Determined Motivation and Subjective Well-Being of Adapted Sport Athletes Members of the Special with Intellectual and Developmental Difficulties Members (Diferencias de género en la motivación autodeterminada y el bienestar sub

The Theory of Self-Determination has been used as a theoretical model of support in several studies on motivation in Sport. In this sense, we realize that motivation is a topic to which researchers have devoted much of their time, however, when researching adapted sports, and the person with Intellectual and Developmental Difficulty we observe a shortage in research. This study aimed to verify the levels of self-determination and subjective well-being of athletes members of the Special Olympics of Portugal, and ii) to compare the variables under analysis according to gender. In this quantitative study participated 94 athletes of Adapted Sports, aged between 11 and 63 years (ẋ=32.61 ± SD=13.8) of both genders, competitors of individual and collective sports. The monitoring instruments used were Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ), Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (BPNES), Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS) and Positive and Negative Attachment Scale (PANAS). Data analysis was based on the verification of the internal consistency of the scales applied through the calculation of alpha and Cronbach, descriptive analysis of data and application for gender comparison through the nonparametric test U Mann-Whitney, as well as a linear regression, meeting a significance level of 0.05. As a result, we observed that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and motivation predict good levels of life satisfaction also of positive attachment. We also found statistically significant differences in life satisfaction and negative attachments when comparing gender outcomes. Resumen. La Teoría de la Autodeterminación se ha utilizado como modelo teórico de apoyo en varios estudios sobre la motivación en el Deporte. En este sentido, nos damos cuenta de que la motivación es un tema al que los investigadores han dedicado gran parte de su tiempo, sin embargo, a la hora de investigar deportes adaptados, y la persona con Dificultad Intelectual y de Desarrollo observamos una escasez en la investigación. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar los niveles de autodeterminación y bienestar subjetivo de los atletas miembros de las Olimpiadas Especiales de Portugal, y ii) comparar las variables bajo análisis según género. En este estudio cuantitativo participaron 94 deportistas de Deportes Adaptados, con edades entre 11 y 63 años (ẋ = 32,61 ± DE = 13,8) de ambos sexos, competidores de deportes individuales y colectivos. Los instrumentos de seguimiento utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Regulación Conductual en el Deporte (BRSQ), la Escala de Ejercicio de Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas (BPNES), la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) y la Escala de Apego Positivo y Negativo (PANAS). El análisis de los datos se basó en la verificación de la consistencia interna de las escalas aplicadas mediante el cálculo de alfa y Cronbach, análisis descriptivo de los datos y aplicación para la comparación de género mediante la prueba no paramétrica U Mann-Whitney, así como una regresión lineal, cumpliendo un nivel de significancia de 0.05. Como resultado, observamos que la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas y la motivación predicen buenos niveles de satisfacción con la vida también del apego positivo. También encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la satisfacción con la vida y los apegos negativos al comparar los resultados de género.

12 A qualitative study of factors that helped prepare athletes for Special Olympics sport programs

Primary Subject area Developmental Paediatrics Background Special Olympics (SO) is working to introduce more child and youth programs provincially and improve currently available programs. To date, there is little research published surrounding the experiences of SO athletes. Given the aim of SO to improve and grow the experience and health of youth, the present study explores the experiences of SO athletes and caregivers to understand what prepares athletes for SO programs and competition. Objectives 1. To describe the experience of SO athletes and caregivers and understand what best prepared them for their involvement in organized sport and physical activity. 2. To offer evidence-based strategies for creating an inclusive and encouraging environment for sports and physical activity for healthy active living and/or preparation for SO involvement. Design/Methods Both athletes and caregivers participated in semi-structured, conversation-based interviews. Eight English-speaking athletes involved in a variety of sports from around the province were interviewed, and four of these interviews included caregivers. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified throughout these interviews. The importance of a supportive environment emerged as a strong theme. Athletes valued the support of caregivers, coaches, and other players and felt this helped them improve and garner more enjoyment from their sport. Many athletes and caregivers discussed what motivated them to get involved and stay involved in SO. Common motivators included: a healthy, active lifestyle, friendships, and social skills. Barriers to involvement also were commonly discussed and included parental support, transportation, dissemination of information, and health concerns. Additionally, many athletes and caregivers felt that early involvement, starting with the basics, was important for developing skills to help transition to sports and competition. Finally, types of programming, including non-specialized vs. specialized activities, were discussed. Advantages of non-specialized activities included more time for practice and integration into society. Conclusion It is important that programs create a supportive environment, as this helps athletes improve and leads to further enjoyment. There is benefit to participation in non-specialized activities. Future programs could consider the addition of inclusive activities, or promotion of these activities. The motivators for involvement should be encouraged, including friendships/social skills and a healthy/active lifestyle. The barriers identified should be addressed when developing programming. Early involvement and learning basic motor skills play an important role in preparing athletes for sports, and competition and may lead to further involvement in sports. Early participation should be encouraged, and programs should find ways to reach more of this population, possibly through schools or physicians.

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Program and High School Completion

Despite an increase in special education enrollment, a stark gap in high school completion between students with and without disabilities persists. This study examined the impact of Unified Champion Schools (UCS), a Special Olympics program designed to foster social inclusion through three components—Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement—on high school graduation rates. Using a novel dataset and a difference-in-differences design, we found that implementing the UCS program increased the graduation rate by 1.1 percentage points for all students and 1.4 percentage points for students with disabilities. The increase in schooling outcomes for students with disabilities in UCS schools also was found to be positively correlated with perceptions about a more socially inclusive school environment.

Public Speaking Coaching for Adult Special Olympics Athletes

Purpose Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face communication challenges that can impact verbal communication, social interactions, and public speaking effectiveness. These challenges include decreased speech intelligibility, eye contact, and storytelling organization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefit of a 4.5-month public speaking coaching program for adult Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities. Method Using a pre–post design, four athletes and their parents or caregivers completed questionnaires that rated the athletes' public speaking skills in 10 areas relevant for effective public speaking before and after the 4.5-month program. Graduate students in communication sciences and disorders worked with the adults on individualized goals identified from a preliminary speech and the self-report questionnaires. Differences in pre- and post-program response ratings and pre- and post-program speech behaviors were evaluated. Results Participation in the program resulted in positive changes in the athletes' public speaking ratings and behaviors, as measured by the athletes' and familiar-listeners' pre- and post-program questionnaires and the athletes' observed public speaking performance. Conclusions The results support the benefit of individualized coaching in public speaking programs. Because public speaking skills are important for communicating effectively in community interactions more broadly, the program also has potential relevance for use in clinical settings and education programs for adults and adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities.

CONGRESSO EM ESPORTES DE RAQUETE

APRESENTAÇÃO Em 2017 nasce o Simpósio em Esportes de Raquete, idealizado e organizado pelo Grupo Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Esportes de Raquete (GRIPER) da Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas – Universidade Estadual de Campinas (FCA-UNICAMP), sendo promovido anualmente. Na edição de 2019, os organizadores do Simpósio convidaram pesquisadores brasileiros com atuação e produção sólida junto aos Esportes de Raquetes para uma reunião, a fim de planejar uma ampliação futura do evento. Esta reunião marcou o pontapé inicial para realização do Congresso em Esportes de Raquete, tendo o GRIPER-FCA-UNICAMP e a Faculdade de Educação Física - UNICAMP como instituições organizadoras do evento e reunindo mais 13 instituições apoiadoras, a saber: a Confederação Brasileira de Tênis de Mesa (CBTM), a Universidade Aberta à Terceira Idade (UNATI-UNIVASF), a Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança (ESEFID-UFRGS) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), o Departamento de Capacitação da Confederação Brasileira de Tênis (CBT), a Federação Paranaense de Tênis (FPT), a Federação Paulista de Tênis (FPT), a Confederação Brasileira de Badminton (CBBd), a Escola Superior de Educação Física (ESEF-Jundiaí), a Special Olympics, a Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), o Badminton em Rede, a Universidade Feevale e a Federação Paulista de Squash (FPS). O Congresso foi inicialmente planejado para ocorrer de maneira presencial entre os dias 19 e 20 de setembro de 2020. Entretanto, dada pandemia da COVID-19, a data foi prorrogada para 10 e 11 de abril de 2021, com o evento ocorrendo de maneira online. O evento reuniu mais de 30 convidados nacionais e internacionais como palestrantes e mediadores e alcançou mais de 1.000 inscrições, com apresentação de mais de 30 trabalhos (científicos e relatos de experiência) em formato de pôster ou tema livre. Desejamos que o Congresso se estabeleça como um ambiente frutífero para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas científicas cada vez mais aplicadas, que alcance cada vez mais aqueles que estão diariamente junto às mesas e quadras de cada modalidade de raquete e forneça um dos pilares para sua atuação profissional.

New dimentions of safety and security of special olympics athletes during events

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the sport sector worldwide as well as sports calendar. Sports events have been cancelled or rescheduled like Summer Olympic and Paralympic games. The same had happened with the Special Olympics (SO) events. The pandemic constitutes a global challenge to the sport movements in terms of security and safety for all participants. Much more complicated it appears to secure the athletes with intellectual disabilities. Pandemic research has found that people with intellectual disabilities are almost six times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The SO programs organizers will face unknown so far issues in terms of security and safety. Aim: The aim of the study is to explore the influence of new safety and security events protocols of Special Olympics on the mission and particularly on the athletes. Methods: We applied documentary analysis including theoretical-logical analysis, systematic approach (structural-functional, structural-component and structural-integral aspect), comparative analysis, video analysis, field notes and focus group composed by participants in pervious SO World games (delegation leaders, coaches and parents). Results: The results of our research shows that most of the national SO programs are reporting that the pandemic have a devastating impact on the athletes and the movement in general. The new live reality is affecting not only the daily routines of athletes with intellectual disabilities but also their social interaction in terms of communication and emotional functioning. Conclusion: Having in mind that safety is first priority and applying all protocols, SO is attempting to preserve the mission, to ensure joy of sport and physical activity. In the new reality close contact and friendships are approached in a way to preserve them and to keep them as essential part of the events.