Affiliate Gyms
Witness the movement of fitness communities that believe in
integrative, nonjudgmental, accessible
exercise spaces for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Affiliate Gyms are the statewide leaders in inclusive health and trusted partners of Special Olympics Virginia.
Application
Each fitness center that aims to partner with SOVA as a Fitness Affiliate Gym begins by completing an online application. The application helps to verify there is a credible strategy for inclusive health and has three parts:
i. Intention: Inclusion Goals
ii. Commitment: Action Plan
iii. Leadership: Sustaining Impact
i. Intention: Inclusion Goals
ii. Commitment: Action Plan
iii. Leadership: Sustaining Impact
Training
Help your gym staff learn how to communicate, interact with and train people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This two-hour free training is offered on-site at the gym and is scheduled upon completion of the application above.
For gyms of less than 30 staff people, at least 30% of the team needs to attend in order to become an Affiliate. For gyms of 30 or more staff people, at least 10 team members need to attend in order to become an Affiliate.
For gyms of less than 30 staff people, at least 30% of the team needs to attend in order to become an Affiliate. For gyms of 30 or more staff people, at least 10 team members need to attend in order to become an Affiliate.
Stipend
Affiliate Gyms are given $250 in Year 1 to subsidize adaptive equipment and/or membership costs for Special Olympics athletes.