Youth Development Manager Position Title: Organization: Reports to: Time Frame:

Youth Development Manager Special Olympics Canada Director, Program Development Two Year Contract

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND •

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Special Olympics Canada (SOC), a program within the worldwide movement, is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. SOC is a national not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for more than 36,000 athletes of all ages and abilities. More than 17,000 volunteers, including over 13,500 trained coaches, currently support Special Olympics programs every day in virtually every community nationwide. Special Olympics Canada’s programs are supported by corporate sponsorship, fundraising activities, government funding, foundations, individual donors and the involvement of volunteers in communities across the country. Special Olympics in Canada follows a federated program delivery model with a National Office and incorporated program Chapters in each province/territory.

PRIMARY AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY Driven by the Special Olympics Canada 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, the Youth Development Manager will focus on the recruitment and retention of young athletes and youth program volunteers. Based on the objectives and outcomes within the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) funding submission (please see Appendix 1), the Youth Development Manager will oversee project planning, implementation and evaluation of all activities outlined within the PHAC project while being responsible for adhering to project budgets and timelines. Based in Toronto and reporting to the Director, Program Development, the primary areas of responsibility of the Youth Development Manager include: recruitment and retention of young athletes, volunteers and families; the development of resources, marketing collateral and tools to support Provincial/Territorial Chapters; on-site event management of First Contact events; identification and development of partner engagement opportunities with other youth organizations.

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RESPONSIBILITIES Resource Development 1. Develop resources, tools and tactics to support young athlete development, retention and recruitment as per Strategic Plan growth targets; 2. Establish resources, tools and tactics to promote healthy living and prevention of chronic disease in children with intellectual disabilities; 3. Work in collaboration with the Chapters to develop resources relating to caregiver support, First Contact events, and Active Start/FUNdamentals programs; Program Implementation 4. Drive volunteer recruitment and retention specific to youth programs/activities as per Strategic Plan growth targets; 5. Work with the SOC Program Manager in the implementation of the Young Athlete Program Leaders training course; 6. Work with the Director, Program Development to identify and build partnerships with organizations and associations that can assist and support youth growth and development; 7. Represent Special Olympics Canada on community partner committees; Collateral and Marketing Development 8. Develop collateral and marketing materials to support overall youth programs nationally; 9. Attend conferences, presentations and workshops representing Special Olympics in Canada and the youth programs; 10. Work with Marketing and Communications on media relations and social media strategies; Evaluation 11. Ensure evaluation measurement tools and procedures are in place; 12. Work with the Director, Program Development and the Project Evaluator on collecting, analyzing and circulating data and feedback relating to youth initiatives; Event Management 13. Work closely with the Chapters in the development, management and on-site implementation of First contact and awareness events; Organizational Support 14. Develop and manage program plans and budgets; 15. Assist with funding applications and reports; 16. Work closely with the youth development chapter staff on program development deliverables and complete reporting documents; 17. Provide leadership and assistance to organizational strategies, events and projects; 18. Collaborate with the Business Development team to discuss program needs and sponsorship opportunities relating to youth programs and development.

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QUALIFICATIONS The successful candidate will possess the following experience, knowledge and abilities: • A Bachelor’s degree in sport/recreation, Physical and Health Education, Child Development, Education or related discipline; • A minimum of 3-5 years experience in program development and implementation; • Knowledge of the health and physical activity community, particularly as it pertains to children and youth; • Experience in development of marketing and collateral materials; • Event management and implementation experience; • Proven track record in project management with an attention to detail; • Ability to manage multiple projects, while adhering to budgets and deadlines; • Strong verbal and written communication skills including group presentations; • Excellent interpersonal skills with a capacity to consult with, develop and maintain a variety of stakeholder partnerships; • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; • A self-directed and enthusiastic team player; • Comprehensive computer skills; • The capacity to travel (some weekend and evening work required); • Knowledge of the Long Term Athlete Development Model and Canadian Sport For Life is an asset; • Bilingual (English/French) an asset. APPLICATION DETAILS Deadline: 5:00pm on February 20th, 2014 Please submit a cover letter and resume with salary expectations to: [email protected] We thank all applicants for applying however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Appendix 1

Youth Development Project Proposal: Increasing Physical Activity through Active Start and FUNdamentals Programs in Canada

Proposal Submission to the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada

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Youth Development Project Proposal: Increasing Physical Activity through Active Start & FUNdamentals Programs in Canada 1. ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, everyday around the world. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Around the globe Special Olympics is providing opportunities for more than four million athletes, one million volunteers and millions more people worldwide through 229 accredited Special Olympics programs in more than 170 countries. Here in Canada, Special Olympics benefits more than 35,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Slightly less than 13,000 children and youth are enrolled in youth programs. Of these, about 3,000 are registered specifically in Active Start and FUNdamentals. More than 17,100 volunteers contribute their time and talents to programs across the country. Special Olympics Canada’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness and lead physically active and healthy lives. Twelve provincial/territorial chapters facilitate the delivery of grassroots programs in large and small communities across Canada. 2. OVERVIEW OF ACTIVE START AND FUNDAMENTALS Special Olympics Canada (SOC) offers two programs, specific to children with intellectual disabilities, called Active Start and FUNdamentals. Active Start is designed to develop basic motor skills and movement skills in children ages two to six years old with an intellectual disability. Through play, the 12 week session provides children an excellent opportunity to improve physical, social, and cognitive abilities establishing a foundation for being physically active and healthy. Sessions are facilitated by program leaders and take place in a safe environment. Parent/caregiver involvement is encouraged during each session. The FUNdamentals program is designed to introduce the values of positive movement experiences, the importance of nutrition, and sport-specific activities aimed at improving basic motor and sport skills in youth ages seven to 12 years with an intellectual disability. Building on the Active Start program, FUNdamentals provides participants an opportunity to further improve physical, social, and cognitive abilities building the child’s confidence, knowledge and interest in being active and making healthy life choices. Sessions are facilitated by program leaders and parents/caregivers are encouraged to apply the information learned in each session at home, so activity and healthy eating choices become a way of life for the child’s entire family.

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The objectives of the project are: 1. To promote healthy living through early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities: For many young children with intellectual disabilities, Active Start and FUNdamentals programs are their only avenue for structured physical fitness. Children with disabilities have fewer opportunities for leisure, recreation, and competition compared to children without disabilities (Murphy & Carbone, 2008). Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Assistant Professor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology says “Special Olympics Canada’s FUNdamentals program is an excellent step forward in the promotion of fundamental motor skills for children with an intellectual disability in Canada. It is unique and innovative, and if implemented across Canada has the potential to have a significant impact on the fundamental motor skills of young Special Olympics athletes.” By providing Active Start and FUNdamentals programs, Special Olympics is increasing the number of opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to be active and improve their physical fitness skills. Those who receive instruction at an early age are much more capable of participating in complex movement skills as they grow older and are more likely to establish and maintain a lifestyle of being active and healthy. In 2012-2013 Special Olympics Canada published a Young Athlete Nutrition Guide. Developed as a resource for young athlete program participants, program leaders, parents/caregivers, and teachers, the guide will help build a foundation of healthy eating habits to complement the child’s physical activity skills as developed in the young athlete programs. All participants registered in the Active Start and FUNdamental programs will receive the nutrition guide. Since young children can have multiple caregivers throughout the day, everyone involved in their care is encouraged to use the guide to ensure consistency in daily nutrition. 2. To promote healthy weight for children with intellectual disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities exhibit high rates of obesity. Research conducted globally with Special Olympics athletes ages eight to 18 years indicates that being overweight and obese is a significant concern. Of particular note is that the prevalence of being overweight and obese among Special Olympics young athletes was highest in North America compared to Africa, Europe, East Asia, and Asia Pacific (Harris, N., Jangda, S., et al., 2003). Obesity and associated health conditions have the potential to diminish the independence and overall functioning and participation of children and youth with intellectual disabilities. It is clear that early interventions targeted at increasing physical activity opportunities for children and youth with intellectual disabilities are needed to prevent excess weight gain and the associated chronic health conditions that result from inactivity. 3. To prevent chronic disease in children with intellectual disabilities: Special Olympics International estimates that people with intellectual disabilities have a 40% higher prevalence of chronic health conditions compared to those without disabilities. Studies also indicated a higher mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases, intestinal obstruction, pneumonia, trauma, and other causes (Krahn et al., 2006). Individuals with Down Syndrome showed improvement in aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and power compared to sedentary individuals with Down Syndrome after at least one year of participation in Special Olympics (Menear, 2007). Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases in children.

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Short-Term Outcomes • To increase opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to participate in physical activities; • To increase the number of children with intellectual disabilities who participate in physical activities; • To promote healthy body weight in children with intellectual disabilities; • To educate children, families/caregivers about eating nutritious foods; • To positively influence an increase in physical activity, in a home setting, for young children (ages 3-12 years) with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Long-Term Impact • To decrease obesity rates in people with intellectual disabilities; • To slow or control the progression of chronic disease, improving overall health and function; • To decrease barriers to physical activities for people with intellectual disabilities; • To increase positive, healthy lifestyle practices for people with intellectual disabilities; • To increase productivity of Canadian citizens who have an intellectual disability; • To decrease healthcare expenses for Canadian citizens who have an intellectual disability. The key activities of the project are: Project funding will be used for the following key activities: 1. Program Development and Implementation 2. Communications - client specific 3. Communications - volunteer recruitment 4. Staffing / Project Management 1. Program Development and Implementation Special Olympics Canada will provide financial assistance to the twelve provincial/territorial chapters in order to reduce the barriers they are facing in facilitating young athlete program development. a) Facility rental – Most chapters noted significant costs to rent facilities or space where programs would be offered as a key barrier to program development. For the most part, programs run in schools, municipal parks and recreation or community centres. Rental rates average between $35 to $50 per hour, with stipulated minimums across the country. Not-for-profits do not typically enjoy preferred (discounted) rates, nor are fees typically waived. These costs have a significant impact on chapter budgets. Financial assistance will be provided to the chapters to assist with facility rental expenses. b) Equipment – Equipment kits, specific to Active Start and FUNdamentals programs have been assembled for purchase by Flaghouse Inc. As chapters develop new programs, new equipment kits will be required for each program. Additionally, existing programs are looking to expand and add-to the equipment that currently exists in the kit. The investment required to purchase new equipment is a challenge for the chapters. c) Training for Program Leaders - Beginning in 2012-2013, Special Olympics Canada will launch a course, Fundamental Movement Skills, that will train program leaders who volunteer in young athlete programs. Developed in collaboration with the Coaching Association of Canada the training course will be implemented across the country over the next two years. The training

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will provide program leaders with a better understanding of children with intellectual disabilities, educate program leaders on developmentally appropriate guidelines, and provide tools on how to use skill progression to meet the needs of each child. This year, priority will be given to train one learning facilitator per chapter who will then administer courses within their province/territory, training program leaders at the community level. In addition to the national learning facilitator training, the projected activity includes three chapters that will offer the course in year one and nine chapters that will offer the course in year two. d) Special Olympics Canada Nutrition Guide - In 2012-2013 Special Olympics Canada published a Young Athlete Nutrition Guide. Developed as a resource for young athletes, program leaders, parents/caregivers, and teachers, the guide will help build a foundation of healthy eating habits to complement the child’s physical activity skills as developed in the young athlete programs. Since young athletes can have multiple caregivers throughout the day, everyone involved in their care is encouraged to use the guide to ensure consistency in daily nutrition. Over the next two years, the focus will be on increased use of the guide through wider dissemination at the grassroots program level. e) Active Start and FUNdamental Guides for Families/Caregivers – In order to ensure engagement by parents/caregivers, an information guide will be developed specific to families/caregivers who are participating in the Active Start and FUNdamental programs across Canada. The guide is intended to educate families/caregivers about the value of positive movement experiences during childhood development, and describes sport specific activities that can be carried out in the home setting. The activities are aimed at improving basic motor and social skills that build confidence and encourage active fun with peers, siblings and/or parents. 2. Communications – Client-specific Overall, there is a need to have a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to effectively communicate the benefits of our quality programs directly to clients and indirectly to referral sources. In the case of potential new children, it is recognized that communications must reach the parents/caregivers of children with an intellectual disability, the actual decision-makers in a household. In terms of referral sources, Special Olympics Canada must identify those who could be most effective in outreach to families/caregivers, and then educate them about our programs and their benefits, so that we can positively influence the number of referrals made to clients/patients about Special Olympics programs. To speak to potential new athletes and referral sources, the following have been identified as key areas of focus: • Identify and segment markets, identifying distinct organizations /associations/professions deemed to be the most effective for outreach and referrals; • Develop communications and resources, articulating clearly defined positioning and benefits; • Familiarize potential referral and client sources about the Special Olympics programs available in their local markets to influence their behavior; • Disseminate communications and resources effectively through various channels and tactics, including direct mail/newsletters, sales (trade shows/conferences/First Contact events), digital marketing and media relations; and • Organize “First Contact” recruiting events where children with intellectual disabilities and their parents/caregivers have an opportunity to experience Active Start and FUNdamentals before registration. Styled as open houses, play days or fun days, First Contact events are an opportunity to trial the program and gain positive, first experiences.

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All attendees, including parents/caregivers and educators, will receive introductory information and will speak to trained staff and/or program leaders. Target markets will include: • Healthcare • Cultural Diversity • Disability Organizations • Education Generally speaking, separate tactics will be developed for professionals/trade and consumers. To assist, we are currently conducting research to better understand how parents/caregivers source information, who, or which influencers, they source this information from and what factors influence their decisions relative to their child’s physical activity. a) Healthcare –The healthcare community has been identified as a valuable referral source for Special Olympics Canada. It should be noted that these groups are not being sold on the value and role of physical activity in the lives of their patients, or on the nature of intellectual disabilities. Rather, they are being familiarized on the quality, strength and outcomes of Special Olympics programming so they can confidently recommend our programs to their patients. Potential channels: Canadian Pediatric Society, Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Tactics: An informative introductory package of material including cover letter, brochure, and posters as well as media relations to targeted trade/professional outlets and social media activity. Features include: • the mandate and mission of our organization; • detailed overviews of Active Start and FUNdamentals, including functional and emotional benefits of each; plus the continuum of programs available to children as they progress and grow older; • languages: English and French; • distribution: direct mail or tip-in to private practices or medical clinics, professional associations, at national conferences and trade shows. b) Cultural Diversity – Part of Special Olympics Canada’s new Pan-Canadian strategic plan is to expand outreach into more diverse cultural communities. Tactics: Marketing communications like brochures, posters, video, and promo giveaways driving consumers to our website, as well as media relations to targeted ethnic media and social media activity. Features include: • the mandate and mission of our organization; • detailed overviews of Active Start and FUNdamentals, including functional and emotional benefits of each; plus the continuum of programs available to children as they progress and grow older; • registration details and access information (list all provincial and territorial offices); • languages: English, French, Oji-Cree, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, South Asian (Hindi, Punjabi), and Spanish; • distribution: through settlement agencies, health clinics, medical offices, community centres, public libraries, family services associations.

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c) Disability Organizations –Target those similar-minded organizations whose members may benefit from Special Olympics programs. Tactics: An informative introductory package of material including cover letter and brochure or sell/flat sheet. Features include: • the mandate and mission of our organization; • detailed overviews of Active Start and FUNdamentals with functional and emotional benefits of these programs; • registration details and access information (list all provincial and territorial offices); • languages: English, French, Oji-Cree, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, South Asian (Hindi, Punjabi), and Spanish; • distribution: Canadian Down Syndrome Association, Canadian Association of Community Living, and National Education Association of Disabled Students. d) Education –Target educators who can assist with establishing programs in a school setting. Tactics: An informative introductory package of material including cover letter and brochure or sell/flat sheet. Features include: • the mandate and mission of our organization; • detailed overviews of Active Start and FUNdamentals with functional and emotional benefits of these programs; • registration details and access information (list all provincial and territorial offices); • languages: English and French; • distribution: superintendents of education, public and separate school boards, principals, teachers’ federations, professional associations.

3. Communications – Volunteer Recruitment As the number of young athlete programs grows, more volunteer program leaders will be required to facilitate each program. Communications will be developed specifically for volunteer recruitment. These materials will include brochures, posters, video, and promo giveaways to drive potential volunteers to our website and clearly articulate: • the mandate and mission of our organization; • overviews of Active Start and FUNdamentals, listing functional and emotional benefits of each; • positioning and benefits of the volunteer experience; • registration details; • languages: English and French; • distribution: direct mail (using existing database), volunteer centres, recruitment fairs. 4. Staffing / Project Management Special Olympics Canada plans to fill a two-year contract position that will oversee and provide specific support to this project. Duties and responsibilities include: • Provide national office support to the chapter youth development coordinators on program development and implementation; • Develop strategies for young athlete and volunteer recruitment and retention; • Provide support to chapter youth coordinators in market development, including segmenting, targeting and positioning; • Produce marketing communications and campaigns from development and initial creative to translation production and distribution; • Execute media relations and social media strategies;

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Design and implement the evaluation process in collaboration with the chapters; Build partnerships with organizations, universities, and associations that can assist and support youth growth and development; Work collaboratively with the Business Development department to secure additional funding from external sources to sustain the programs; Ensure evaluation measurement tools and procedures are in place; Collect and analyze national data related to young athlete programs; Ensure project deliverables are met; Provide regular reports on project activities and results.

3. TARGET POPULATIONS AND THE GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS Target Populations The target population for Active Start and FUNdamentals programs is children, ages 2 to twelve years, with an intellectual disability. Target Communities Each of the twelve provincial/territorial chapters have staff dedicated to young athlete program development and implementation. These chapter youth development coordinators were recently interviewed and each was queried as to the communities they are currently focusing on in their province/territory, including rural/northern communities. Their responses included the following: Province/ Territory British Columbia

Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec Prince Edward Island

New Brunswick Nova Scotia Newfoundland

Yukon Northwest Territories

Communities

Abbotsford, Vernon, Clearwater, Nanaimo Kitimat, Campbell River, Burns Lake Creston, Invermere, Terrace, Fort St. John Whistler, Grand Forks, Penticton, Port Alberni Cranbrook Rocky Mountain House, Fort McMurray, Estevan, Hudson Bay, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, Kindersley Dauphin, Selkirk, Swan River, Steinbach, Thompson, Winkler Thunder Bay, Durham, Kingston, Toronto Montreal, West Island, Dorval, Joliette, Chateau Guay Charlottetown, Montague, Souris, Cardigan, Morell, Evangeline, Alberton, O’Leary, Tignish Grandfalls, Edmunston, Campbellton, Dalhousie South Shore, Valley, Cape Breton, Tri-County Mount Pearl, Carbonear/Bay Roberts, Marystown, Lewisporte, Gander, Grand FallsWindsor, Baie Verte, New-Wes-Valley, Corner Brook, Bay St. George, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Whitehorse Hay River, Fort Smith

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Rural / Northern Communities Chapter youth development coordinators currently visit rural/northern communities on a regular basis to meet with local Special Olympics committees and volunteers. These visits help to review the potential for young athlete programs and determine key markets for program growth, development and enhancement. The coordinator looks to identify a local ‘champion’ in the community who has a keen interest in and/or contacts that could assist with program development. With on-going support and guidance from the coordinator, the local Special Olympics community assists with building the program and providing support to the new volunteers and athletes. An area in which the coordinator can be most helpful is in the identification and development of program delivery partners. It is quite common that in rural or remote communities only a small number of children with intellectual disabilities live. As such, partnerships with schools, YMCA’s, parks & recreation departments, or private play centres can be essential to ensuring the successful implementation of a program. By being open to a variety of settings and partnerships, children with intellectual disabilities not only are provided with opportunities, but they have access to programs that are specific to their needs and requirements. Additionally, some chapters have introduced innovative ways to engage young athletes living in rural/northern communities by hosting ‘virtual competitions’. More specific to children in FUNdamentals, young athlete programs can register on-line for skills and drills fun competitions; the children complete the skills and drills activities in their community and within a specific timeframe; and the results are posted on-line. Through this format, children from rural/northern communities are engaged and feel a sense of belonging to a larger group. Again, this can be of particular benefit when there are very few children with an intellectual disability living in a small community. 6. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PLAN Special Olympics Canada will have two parallel mechanisms to disseminate knowledge and project results, ensuring accessibility in a variety of ways: a) Knowledge Transfer Plan to External Stakeholders: • Provide information and project results to identified target market groups: healthcare, diversity groups, disability organizations and educators; • Post information on the Special Olympics Canada website; • Attend conferences: presenting and/or hosting trade booths; • Submit articles to publications (i.e. magazines, newspapers, etc.); • Send information to Special Olympics International to share in newsletters, on the website and at international meetings and conferences; • Host meetings with external stakeholders to network, promote programs, and share project results, best practices and success stories; • Submit project results to academic journals and publications; • Post information through social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. b) Knowledge Transfer Plan to Internal Stakeholders: • Post information on the Special Olympics Canada website; • Host meetings, conference calls and workshop for chapter staff to share information and best practices;

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Post project results and information on the Special Olympics Canada internal community portal for chapters; Complete reports for Special Olympics Canada Board of Directors, corporate partners and other stakeholder groups; Include information in annual reports; Discuss key learnings and results at the Special Olympics Canada bi-annual business meetings and annual conference; Post information through social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.

7. SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ACTIVE START AND FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAMS For 43 years, Special Olympics in Canada has benefitted children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Programs exist within a strong national framework that encompasses twelve provincial/territorial chapters, more than 35,000 registered athletes and 17,100 dedicated volunteers. Our foundation and our strength lie in the fact that we exist at the grassroots level and are committed to providing individuals with an intellectual disability opportunities to be physically active and lead healthy, positive lives. A targeted focus, specific to young athletes, is a relatively new initiative within the organization. Increased outreach strategies will assist with continued growth and expansion, while a formal evaluation plan will bring credibility and attention to the benefits of both Active Start and FUNdamentals programs. Sharing project results that indicate the healthy living benefits of the programs to children, families/caregivers, volunteers, program delivery partners, funding partners and the public at large will solidify the programs as an important building block for physical skills and healthy living. As children pass twelve years of age and ‘graduate’ from FUNdamentals, they then have access to Special Olympics core programs and can continue along a long term athlete development pathway that includes access to sport training and competitions or an active for life pathway that promotes being active and lifelong healthy living choices. The evaluation process will also focus on reviewing program structure and delivery, gathering input from key stakeholders and reviewing policies and procedures. Sustainability will be achieved through accommodating change and rethinking the way programs are implemented to improve and grow programs year after year. Through this project Special Olympics Canada and the chapters will create a diverse and farreaching network of funders and supporters for youth programs. Strategies that engage the healthcare community, diverse cultures, other disability organizations and the education sector will develop and sustain both fiscal and human resources. As the project moves through the funding cycle, it will be mandatory for both the national office and the chapters to create sustainability plans to reduce reliance on any sole funding source and seek alternate funding sources.

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8. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA AND THE CHAPTERS The Role of the Chapters: As documented in Special Olympics Canada’s 2012-2017 Pan-Canadian strategic plan, recruitment of young athletes is a top priority for the organization. To accomplish this, all Special Olympics chapters continue to retain staff focused on youth program development, implementation and evaluation. The primary chapter responsibilities include: • Support, encourage and promote the objectives of the project; • Develop and Special Olympics Canada Active Start and FUNdamentals programs in school and/or community settings; • Develop partners/contacts to establish communication channels within healthcare, diverse cultures, disability organizations and education sectors; • Create chapter resources, tools and tactics that support youth program development and delivery; • Manage the registration process for new youth athletes and volunteers in order to measure deliverables; • Manage on-going program development and provide support to the volunteers. • Work collaboratively with volunteers to host special events or competitions for young athletes; • Develop a provincial/territorial plan to increase awareness of youth programs and develop strategies that support increased capacity in communities; • Maintain on-going plans to evaluate and amend program development initiatives; • Work closely with Special Olympics Canada on youth development deliverables and complete reporting documents; • Implement the evaluation process and report to Special Olympics Canada the results of the evaluations within the specified timelines; • Establish and adhere to project budgets and timelines; • Secure additional funding from external sources to sustain the project. The Role of Special Olympics Canada The role of the Special Olympics Canada national office is to work collaboratively with the twelve chapters to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the project objectives. The national office will provide direction, support and resources to ensure that project objectives are communicated and met by the chapters. Evaluation measures and reports are the responsibility of the national office. Special Olympics Canada plans to fill a two-year contract position that will oversee and provide specific support to this project. Duties and responsibilities include: • Provide national office support to the chapter youth development coordinators on program development and implementation; • Develop strategies for young athlete and volunteer recruitment and retention; • Provide support to chapter youth coordinators in market development, including segmenting, targeting and positioning; • Produce marketing communications and campaigns from development and initial creative to translation production and distribution; • Execute media relations and social media strategies; • Design and implement the evaluation process in collaboration with the chapters; • Build partnerships with organizations, universities, and associations that can assist and support youth growth and development; • Work collaboratively with the Business Development department to secure additional funding from external sources to sustain the programs;

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Ensure evaluation measurement tools and procedures are in place; Collect and analyze national data related to young athlete programs; Ensure project deliverables are met; Provide regular reports on project activities and results.

9. SUMMARY Special Olympics Canada’s Active Start and FUNdamentals programs are built on the rationale that when children with intellectual disabilities are exposed to and receive early instruction in physical activities, basic motor skills and developmentally appropriate activities, there is an excellent opportunity for improvement in their physical literacy, social and cognitive abilities. Since 2010 young athlete programs have been introduced in communities across Canada, however growth and awareness of the programs has been modest. A more focused approach, that includes key referral sources and increased awareness tools, will improve program delivery and bring welcomed support to the grassroots communities across Canada who provide opportunities that contribute to and encourage healthy, active living for children with intellectual disabilities. With the support of the Public Healthy Agency of Canada the breadth and scope of Special Olympics Canada’s Active Start and FUNdamentals programs can be expanded, resulting in a significant positive impact to the health and well-being of Canadian children with intellectual disabilities and their families.

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