SPECIAL OLYMPICS SWITZERLAND RELIES ON SWISSTEACH FOR GREATER INCLUSION
Special Olympics Switzerland is the Swiss representation of the world’s largest sports movement for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, Special Olympics has since advocated for the appreciation, acceptance, and equality of these individuals. With over 4.2 million athletes in 177 countries, the organization is a significant voice for inclusion and participation. In Switzerland, Special Olympics has been active as a foundation since 1995, organizing approximately 70 competitions annually across various sports. Additionally, the National Winter and Summer Games take place every two years, and in the intervening years, Swiss delegations are accompanied to the World Games.
However, Special Olympics Switzerland extends beyond sports. The organization’s vision is to create an inclusive society where all individuals with intellectual disabilities can lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS SWITZERLAND
To keep pace with the times and better serve the needs of its target audience, Special Olympics Switzerland decided to implement a LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS). The goal: to enable individuals interested in the organization to complete the training modules at their own pace and from anywhere. This decision was supported by a partnership with Swissteach AG, which provides the Global Teach® LMS free of charge.
WHY SWISSTEACH?
In its search for a suitable partner, Special Olympics Switzerland encountered Swissteach, a company specializing in the implementation of e-learning and employee development. What ultimately particularly convinced Special Olympics Switzerland was the human-centric approach that Swissteach brought to the topic of “digitalization.” It was not just about technical solutions, but also about the values and the positive impact these technologies can have on people.
THE DIGITALIZATION OF COACH TRAINING
The partnership between Swissteach and Special Olympics Switzerland aims to digitalize certain training modules for coaches. These coaches play a central role as they help athletes with intellectual disabilities develop and enhance their skills. The Special Olympics Switzerland training program is based on various modules that address both athletic skills and how to interact with the specific needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
With the introduction of GLOBAL TEACH®, these training modules are now made more flexible and accessible to a wider audience. Participants can conveniently complete the modules online – entirely according to their own schedule. The LMS also automatically handles registration and certificate dispatch, significantly reducing administrative effort.
THE FIRST DIGITAL MODULE
As a first step, the “Introduction” module was digitized. This module provides an initial overview of Special Olympics’ areas of activity and explains the movement in Switzerland. It serves as an important entry point for anyone wishing to learn more about the organization and forms the basis for further training modules.
In the future, Special Olympics Switzerland plans to offer additional training courses and modules via the LMS. The target audience includes not only interested individuals but also, and primarily, coaches of athletes and groups working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
THE ADVANTAGES OF GLOBAL TEACH®
A particularly significant advantage of the Global Teach® LMS in this context is resource conservation. By offering training courses and modules digitally, resources can be saved in the long term, and a wider reach can be achieved. The flexible offering could potentially raise awareness for Special Olympics among even more people, ultimately further promoting inclusion and understanding of the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Swissteach AG is pleased to contribute to inclusive sports promotion and support the valuable work of Special Olympics Switzerland. The digitalization of training offerings will help further strengthen commitment and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
CONCLUSION
With the implementation of Global Teach® and the digitalization of its training offerings, Special Olympics Switzerland is taking an important step towards the future. The use of such technologies makes it possible to broaden the foundation of the organization’s valuable work and involve more people in the process of inclusion. This is not only a gain for the participants but also for society as a whole.