PARTNER: Created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, "Special Olympics" aim to providing year-round
sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with
intellectual disabilities. Today, Special Olympics is a global movement serving more than 4 million people
with intellectual disabilities in 178 countries and representing 30 different types of summer and winter
sports.
Special Olympics Belgium was founded in 1979 and is officially recognized by the Belgian Olympic and
Interfederal Committee. It organises National Games every year (alternatively in Flanders, Brussels and
Wallonia) and send delegations of Belgian athletes to the Winter and Summer Special Olympics World
Games. These competitions are open to any athlete with intellectual disability who regularly practise a
sport at his/her own level. More than just a physical and sport training, these activities enhance the social
development of the athletes.
The 2015 National Games will take place in Brussels
and will host about 3300 athletes and 1200 coaches
from 300 sport clubs to compete in 19 adapted sports
and disciplines. The programme will include a torch
run, opening and closure ceremonies, an Olympic
village, a healthy athletes programme and an art
exhibitions from artists with mental disability.
More information on (FR): Special Olympics Belgium
WORK: For this 33rd edition of the Belgian National Games, volunteers will help on several aspects of the
event logistics, such as assembling and dismantling of structures, building and putting up the decorations,
transport and unloading of material, waste management,... Volunteers will work with several teams of the
organisation before and after the Games. During the 3 days of competitions, volunteers will mainly provide
accompaniment to athletes for various sports and disciplines. The Opening Ceremony as well as the Torch
Run will take place on May 13th while the Games will take place from May 14th to May 16th 2015.
Physical work will be asked to volunteers so it is important
to take this into account. Volunteers will also have lighter
tasks like accompaniment of athletes, decorations, waste
management,...
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will sleep in the logistic
centre of the organisation. Please bring a sleeping bag.
FOOD: Meals will be taken with the different teams of the organisation and will be prepared by local
volunteers. Vegetarian food will is available but should be asked in advance.
LOCATION : Volunteers will stay in the eastern part of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The sport
competition will be mainly located in the Municipalities of Woluwé Saint-Lambert, Woluwé Saint-Pierre
and Auderghem. The place of the workcamp can be reached easily by public transport.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION: This workcamp requires physical efforts at some moments. Volunteers are asked
to prove a strong interest for the thematic of this event. There will be one free day before and one free day
after the competition.
Please bring good working shoes and clothes that can get dirty as well as a raincoat in case of rainy
weather.
A project-related motivation letter and a certificate of good conduct are required.
LANGUAGE: English, French
TERMINAL : Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) or Brussels South Airport (Charleroi), train station
in Brussels Central – Bruxelles