STATE SUMMER GAMES

May 18-19, 2012

 

Who:
Athletes     1,580
Coaches     670
Family Members     2,000

 

Where:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
700 South Victory Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL  34747

 

Tentative Schedule of Events:

 

 

Volunteering at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Note:  Disney's program and terminology for those who volunteer at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is "Sports Enthusiast."

Sports Enthusiast positions are available on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, 2012.  Positions are available for Athletics (track & field), Bocce, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Cycling (Saturday only), Meals, Opening Ceremonies, Healthy Athletes, and more.

There are a finite number of volunteer positions available and they will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Anyone who is not pre-registered and arrives during the Summer Games will be turned away.  Having more volunteers than what is required is not beneficial to Special Olympics or the volunteer’s experience.

ELIGIBILITY

Sports Enthusiasts must be at least 15 years of age. Sports Enthusiasts under 18 years of age must have parental/guardian consent.  Sports Enthusiasts under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.  Remember that children under the age of 12 are not allowed to volunteer or accompany you.  You will be told on the event day that your services cannot be utilized if you have children younger than the eligible age with you.  This is for the safety of your child and everyone else involved.

There are a limited number of shifts available for Sports Enthusiasts between 12 and 14 years of age: Sports Enthusiasts under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who will also serve in a volunteer capacity.  A maximum ratio of three Sports Enthusiasts ages 12-14 to one adult is to be followed.  To register, please call 407-938-3880 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SCHEDULE

Sports Enthusiast shifts and activities will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Although every effort will be made to accommodate your selection, the scheduling office reserves the right to schedule and reassign volunteers on event date based on event needs; this also includes placing volunteers on a waiting list.

If you are late for your shift on event date, your requested assignment cannot be guaranteed.  For the good of the Games, we also reserve the right to move volunteers to different sports/venues based on event needs.  Therefore, we recommend wearing and/or bringing attire appropriate for indoor or outdoor venues.

You will receive a confirmation packet closer to the event.  Please refrain from requesting schedule changes until you receive your confirmation.  Schedules are subject to change.

APPRECIATION

As a Sports Enthusiast for Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games, you will receive one commemorative t-shirt for the event (sizes are not guarantied) and one snack per shift (snacks are provided at the start of your shift.  If you have special dietary needs, please plan accordingly.)  Do you want to receive a Theme Park ticket?  Volunteer for any of the events included in the Annual Sports Enthusiasts Calendar, and you will receive a WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort 1 Day (1 Theme Park) ticket for every sixteen (16) points earned.  Theme park tickets will be distributed by mail within thirty days upon earning of every sixteen points.

TEAM LEADER OPPORTUNITIES

Team Leaders volunteers are needed to oversee specific volunteer locations.  Team Leaders are required to attend Team Leader Training and shadow three different areas before becoming a Sports Enthusiast team leader.  Other expectations include commitment prior to and on event day, strong leadership skills, dependability, and availability.  Team Leaders receive additional incentives due to the additional time commitment.  To become a team leader for any of our events, please call 407-938-3880 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NOTE:  Site operated by Active.com, per the Walt Disney World Co.  Look for the green registration button found in upper left-hand area of screen to register.

After registering, if you have any questions or issues, please either contact Sports Enthusiast Information Line 407-938-3880 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Do not contact Special Olympics Florida with questions regarding volunteering at Disney venues.

If you are a group (defined as 10 people or more) interested in volunteering, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with Disney Sports and Recreation, 407-938-3832.

 

 

SPECTATOR PASSES

Terms and Conditions for Spectator Passes

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex charges admission, during the day, to enter their facility.  Therefore, as part of our agreement with them, we are provided with a finite number of complimentary tickets to give to our athletes' family members so that they do not have to pay admission to attend the Games.  Tickets will be available to order starting in April 2012. 

Please note that admission to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is free after 6:00 p.m., so any spectators coming only for Opening or Closing Ceremonies do not need to request spectator tickets.  Also, the cycling competition takes place entirely in the parking lot of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday only.  So, spectators who are only coming to watch cycling and do not need to enter the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (food and drink vendors and restrooms will be available at the cycling venue), then it is not necessary for you to reserve spectator tickets.

All spectator tickets will be available for pick-up on Friday, May 18, from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm and on Saturday, May 19, from 7:00 am - 1:00 pm at the tent located near the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office (prior to walking up the ramp or stairs to the main gate turnstiles).  

NOTE:  Lost tickets will not be replaced.  Spectators will need to purchase a new ticket on their own.

At least one person in each party/family picking up tickets must show a valid ID (does not have to be a photo ID) that matches the name given when the tickets were ordered. Tickets will not be issued without proof of identity from at least one person in the party whose name is supposed to be on the list.

 

Family Information

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a very large facility and guests should anticipate a fair amount of walking, in order to get to the competition and special event venues. For guests needing wheelchairs: you should plan on bringing your own (if you have one), or you may borrow one from Disney for the day. Chairs can be picked up at the main entrance (top of ramp) and you must leave a photo ID, which will be returned upon return of the chair.

Families and spectators may purchase food and/or beverage at an array of kiosks throughout the Sports Complex, including a quick service restaurant near the main entrance.

There is no fee for parking at the Sports Complex. 

We will be offering families special seating at Opening Ceremonies.  There will be a family sign-in table at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where familiy members will receive family ribbons and information about the Games.

Family Housing has been arranged at the following hotels.  You will need to ask for the Special Olympics Florida rates.

Orlando Sun Resort
6375 W Irlo Bronson (US 192 West)
Kissimmee
407.390.5844

Champions World Resort
8660 W. Irlo Bronson (US 192 West)
Kissimmee
800.638.7829

 

 

Cooler Policy

Guests will not be permitted to carry coolers into ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex except as follows:

• Each guest may bring in a single cooler of up to one gallon in size for personal use. Coaches may bring a single cooler into the facility of up to five gallons for team use.
• Guests with special dietary needs (i.e., medical conditions, religious doctrine, etc.) may bring in food for their personal consumption.
• No glass bottles or alcoholic beverages will be permitted.
• Lockable storage is not available to store coolers or other personal belongings. ESPN Wide World of Sports is not responsible for personal items that are lost or stolen.

 

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