Special Olympics Athletes and the World Games Experience: The Influence of Coaching, Training, and Competing on a World Stage

• To better understand the role and impact of the coach in the Special Olympics World Games experience, this project aims to:
• Gain an understanding of the World Games experience for Special Olympics athletes.
• Elucidate the role of coaches in athletes� World Games experience, including their role during selection, training, and competition.
• Expand the knowledge-base in the field of sports and coaching to include research with athletes with disabilities.

Grant Amount: One grant award will be made for no more than $175,000. The duration of the project will be 18 months and the grant will be a one-time award that may be used for all federally allowable and reasonable costs directly related to the project. The PI on this project will be asked to present preliminary findings one year into the project at the 2011 World Games in Athens. A final report will not be due until after the Games, at the conclusion of the project, when all data have been collected and analyzed. As per Special Olympics International�s longstanding policy, no indirect costs may be covered by this grant. Monies can be used to sub-contract or partner with local universities to help with data collection efforts.

Eligibility for Grant: Applicants must have a faculty appointment at an accredited U.S. or international University, or serve in a senior research position within a nonprofit/NGO. Ideal applicants will have expertise in issues related to sports and/or disability and the skills, knowledge, and resources to carry out this multi-national project.