Inclusive Coaching : Supporting Children and Youth With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Engaging in Sport
Keywords:
Special Olympics, Inclusion in Sports, Intellectual Developmental Disability, Coaching EducationAbstract
Special Olympics is an international movement committed to promoting inclusion and building community through sports and physical activity for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In Canada, the organization supports more than 40,000 athletes, offering structured athletic opportunities from early childhood through to adulthood. This critical literature review synthesizes 18 sources on coaching within Special Olympics, including peer-reviewed research around coaching Special Olympics, to examine trends, themes, and gaps in the field. Literature was reviewed from March 2025 to December 2025. It emphasizes the continuous, community-based nature of Special Olympics programming, which occurs regularly in local settings, rather than as infrequent high-profile events. The findings highlight both the benefits of athlete participation and the critical role of effective coaching, while also revealing a need for additional research focused on coaching practices, particularly among coaches who work with children and youth. Strengthening the evidence base in the Canadian context is essential to enhance coaching strategies, support athlete growth, support and guide future research opportunities and promote sustained success within the Special Olympics community.
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References
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