March SOAR Scoop: Awards

Last month, we learned about Unified Sports, and this month we will get the scoop on awards. This is your chance to the SCOOP on all the ins and outs of Special Olympics Arkansas!

What's the Scoop on Awards?
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Awards Ceremonies for Special Olympics are a meaningful and celebratory part of competition designed to honor athletes for their achievements, participation, and sportsmanship. The process emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and joy, ensuring every athlete feels recognized and valued. Here are a few additional details about Special Olympics Arkansas Awards Ceremonies:

• Types of Awards:
  • Medals: Gold, silver, and bronze medals for top three placements in competitive events.
  • Ribbons: Placement ribbons (e.g., 4th–8th) or participation ribbons for all athletes, ensuring inclusivity. Some Area Level local events may have ribbon for all places 1-8!
  • Certificates: Certificates: Sometimes provided as additional recognition for milestones or special contributions such as Young Athletes or smaller area level events in place of ribbons.
  • Participation Awards: these awards are given out in specific situations. Those include Challenge medals for participation in Motor Activities Training Program, if an athlete is disqualified from their event they may receive this award, or Young athletes events.
• Awards Ceremony:
  • A designated awards podium or area is prepared, reflecting the event's theme or branding. Athletes are called by name and event to receive their awards.
  • Volunteers and presenters, including local dignitaries or sponsors, often participate to engage the community.
  • Law Enforcement Torch Run members frequently present the awards to athletes, referred to as "Guardians of the Flame" to symbolize their protective and supportive role. Their presence adds an element of community partnership and emphasizes law enforcement's commitment to the cause.

How do we say it?
When discussing the presentation of awards in Special Olympics, it’s important to maintain dignity, respect, and inclusivity in the language used. Here are examples of improper terminology or phrasing to avoid and why:
Improper Ways to Say "Present Awards"

• "Hang Medals": This phrase can sound dismissive or mechanical, failing to honor the significance of the moment for athletes.
• "Give Out Awards": While not inherently negative, it may come across as too casual and fail to capture the celebratory aspect of the awards ceremony.
• "Distribute Medals": This phrasing can sound administrative or impersonal, lacking the warmth and respect the athletes deserve.
• "Hand Over Awards": This could imply formality but misses the celebratory and respectful tone that Special Olympics prioritizes.
• "Throw on a Ribbon": This phrase is overly informal and can sound disrespectful to the achievements being celebrated.

Preferred Alternatives
Instead, use terms that convey respect, celebration, and the significance of the moment, such as:

• "Presenting Awards"
• "Celebrating Achievements through Award Presentations"
• "Honoring Athletes with Medals and Ribbons"
• "Recognizing Excellence in Award Ceremonies"

By using thoughtful language, you ensure that the awards moment aligns with true mission of Special Olympics Arkansas.
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View all competitions and trainings in your area, region, and statewide by visiting Special Olympics Arkansas' calendar  and following us on Facebook and Instagram! 

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Published February 2025