prevail. Questions should be answered directly and honestly. Autonomy should be encouraged and respected in sexual matters. Information about sexuality and sexual matters should be easily available in a non-threatening atmosphere for clients. Finally, we should always think of how we would like to lead our own lives as fully as possible, and how that includes our sexuality, our senses, our bodies, our spirits, and our imaginations. Remember that the most important sexual organ is between one's ears!
SENIOR/MASTERS GAMES IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Elizabeth J. DeBrine
Established in 1968 by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, and chaired by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is the world's largest sports training and athletic competition program for people with mental retardation. Special Olympics offers athletes opportunities to compete in a wide variety of year-round sports from aquatics to floor hockey.
Massachusetts Special Olympics (MSO) started its program in 1970. Like most state programs, it was initially geared toward children and young adults. In 1982, MSO responded to the growing number of adult athletes by pioneering an innovative program called the Senior/Masters Games. Over the years, the Senior/Masters Games have become an important component of the MSO schedule of sports events.
MSO decided to form a separate event for older athletes because their coaches and families felt that these athletes were unable to compete fairly with athletes who were children or young adults. Also, coaches felt that these athletes were more interested in improved
-264-
Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information:
Book title: Serving the Underserved:Caring for People Who Are Both Old and Mentally Retarded: A Handbook for Caregivers.
Contributors: Mary C. Howell - Editor, Deirdre G. Gavin - Editor, Gerard A. Cabrera - Editor, Henry A. Beyer - Editor.
Publisher: Exceptional Parent Press.
Place of publication: Boston.
Publication year: 1989.
Page number: 264.
This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.
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