Special Olympics Gymnastics: A 50 Year HistoryGymnastic Sport Plans

GYMNASTIC SPORT PLANSEach year every sport looked at their current status and proposed the goals for the following year for their sport. Gymnastics was appreciated as a sport that was appealing to the spectator and the participant. It is a sport that promotes a “well rounded” athlete. It is a fundamental sport which could prepare the athlete for improved participation in virtually all sports.Fig.1In 1983, our goals included:

Start a working gymnastic committee.

Initiate a working relationship with the USGF and the USAIGC to expand our program.

Formulation of our first set of compulsory routines to help equalize the training of gymnasts from all chapters. (1983-87)

Establish judging guidelines for SO competitions.

Establish training school and coaching guidelines.

Institute organized promotion and publicity campaigns

Establish a pilot chapter (Louisiana) and evaluate meet procedures and the effectiveness of compulsories

Our 1989 Sports plan continued our ambitious growth of gymnastics:

Our sports committee looked at any rule changes, reviewed level A and motor development rules and one person heat guidelines. We met one time, communicated numerous times and assisted in rewriting the SSP for gymnastics.

We completed the gymnastic section of the competition directors guide.

Surveyed the gymnastic sport directors in each state.

Designated and visited 4 model chapters

Participation in USGF National Congress (Oct. 1989- Phil, Pa)

Continued athlete training and clinics (added mini clinics during competition events)

Material development continued:

o Worked on new SSP for Gymnastics

o Hired an illustrator to illustrate the rhythmic routines

o Completed the Gymnastic Sport Directors notebook.

In 1990, much of our focus was on preparing for the 1991 World Games in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

We had our Sports Skill Guide in draft and was working with Jim Stevenson on doing the illustrations.

With 5 regional sports plans in place, we needed to continue providing support and assistance as requested and required to U.S. Chapters, National Programs and International Games.

Our 1992-93 Sports plan was divided into a National Plan and an International Plan.

Recruit, train, and utilize members of the Sport Committee. We tried to include more International members to the committee and an athlete member.

Conducting training schools for coaches, competition directors, sports directors and sports committees continued to be a goal. Advanced (level II & III) Artistic training schools and Rhythmic Training schools were priority.

To assist in the planning and conducting of competition opportunities for SO athletes at all levels. This would include demonstrations at USAG Congress, etc.

To continue our relationship with affiliate sports organizations.

The sports plan for 1993-4 included:Fig.2

Gymnastics was considered as one of the 8 Tier 2 sports

Many of the same goals were continued…

We additionally hired a graphic artist the illustrate the SSP for rhythmic gymnastics

We worked on “Gymnastics at home” practice videos

In 1996, we worked in a Hub and Spoke Management Model. This included Public relations, event management, NGB & IGB relationships, International Development, demonstrations, Outreach with Families and Athletes, Marketing and Fund Raising, Unified Sports and Rules & Officials.In 1997 SOI had a Sport Advisor Meeting and Planning Session in Wash. D.C. Goals, management, status of sports and our Sports Plans were discussed.
The Gymnastic Sport Plan for 97-98 included:

Management Team development to include Asian & Eastern European members to the 3 sports teams (men, women, rhythmic)

Continue the process of creating new Rhythmic Gymnastic compulsory rules

Finish the Gymnastic Sport Management Team kGuide

Finish the Rhythmic SSP

USA Gymnastic board of Directors meetings and National Conference

World Games – getting prepared for World Games in N. Carolina

The Gymnastic Sport Plan for 98-99 included:

Work with local committee to prepare for the World Games in N. Carolina

Communications with the Sport Management team

Sports rules- prepare to present new rhythmic routines at World Games

Look at Sport Aerobics to possibly include in our programs

Look at Tumbling and Trampolining to possibly include in our programs

USA Gymnastics Board of Directors meeting and National Conference

Fig.3
In 2012, Ase Torheim was responsible for Sports & Competition at SOI. We created a plan that would extend to 2015 for Rhythmic, Men’s, & Women’s Artistic Programs.

Coaches Development (standards & certifications)

Athlete Development (achieving personal best through quality practices, conditioning, competitions, nutrition, and family education)

Competition Management- frequent, quality competition

Partnerships – relationships with FIG, USAG, etc.

Marketing & Communication- recruiting and advertising; newsletters, media

Unified Sports – promote positive social interactions

Technical Dev. & Rules- review rules, investigate modifications, etc.

Official Development- encourage NGB officials to participate & educate them

A recruitment poster.Fig.4Sports Plans included changing the rules. In gymnastics, we had 8 year rotations with the compulsory and optional rules, alternating Rhythmic and Artistic. Every 4 years, after World Games we either submitted new Rhythmic or Artistic routines, rules, and judging sheets.
And so it continues…Gymnastics 50 CoverDocument NavigationAcknowledgementsContentsForeword and MissionSpecial Olympics Gymnastics MilestonesSpecial Olympics Gymnastics Sport DirectorGymnastic Sport PlansGymnastics Sports Rules Sub CommitteesRole of the Coach in Special Olympics GymnasticsRole of Officials and Parents in Special Olympics Gymnastics50 Years of Competitions and Events1983 - International Special Olympics Summer Games1987 - International Summer Games - Notre Dame, Indiana1991 - International Summer Games - Minneapolis/St. Paul1993 - US Olympic Festival1995 - World Summer Games - New Haven, Connecticut1995 - European Regional Training School - Rome, Italy1999 - World Summer Games - North Carolina2003 - World Summer Games - Dublin, Ireland2006 - USA Games - Ames, Iowa2007 - World Summer Games, Shanghai, China2010 - USA Games, Nebraska2011 - Inaugural USA Gymnastics/SO Championships2011 - World Summer Games, Athens, Greece2014 – USA Games, Trenton, New Jersey2015 - World Summer Games, Los Angeles, California2018 – USA Games, Seattle, Washington2018 - 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics2019 - World Summer Games - Abu Dhabi2022 - USA Games - Orlando, FloridaFinal Word