Celebrate the Movement is a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge for the week of September 26 through October 3, 2020. You pick the activity and set your goal.
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities solving the global injustice, isolation, intolerance and inactivity they face.
During this pandemic, the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island have had their world turned upside down. As more of their activities have been taken away from them, our athletes have come to rely upon their Special Olympics Rhode Island family to be there for them. Even through these challenging times, we promote their physical and emotional health virtually, and are carefully planning to return to play with strict guidelines in place.
Special Olympics Rhode Island has developed a new and innovative way to stay fit, be socially responsible and will allow you to support our great athletes. For example, maybe you’ll run a marathon distance in one week. Then ask everyone you know to support you through your fundraising page. It’s easy and lots of fun to reach your goals!
Stay involved with the Special Olympics movement and like-minded fitness enthusiasts while meeting socially-distanced activity goals for a great cause!
Who: YOU! Invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to take part in the challenge (at a safe distance) or to donate to your fundraising page. You can even form a team or invite a team that you are on to participate!
What: Set a goal to run, walk, cycle or do other fitness activities. Track your progress on your favorite wearable tracker or on the Charity Footprints app.
Where: Celebrate the Movement takes place wherever you are! You’ll also help us to “virtually” move all the way around the state of Rhode Island!
When: Celebrate the Movement takes place from September 26 through October 3. You can sign up and ask people to help you reach your fundraising goals. Then complete your activity anytime and anywhere between September 26 through October 3.
Can I sponsor this event? Yes! Please contact Pat at Special Olympics Rhode Island patricia@specialolympicsri.org or call (401) 349-4900
How do I get started?
Choose your activity and fundraising goals. The list below will give you some ideas. Then decide how much you’d like to raise. Challenge yourself and set a goal worth your time! We’ll be having contests for those who reach their goals, with prizes to be announced in September.
Register here to set up your fundraising and activity tracking page. It’s really easy, and really fun to get your friends and family involved!
Sign up to honor or “support an athlete” you know. Just as you are inspired by an athlete, those you ask for donations will be inspired too.
Form a team if you want! Stay socially distant but compete virtually with each other, or against other teams!
Use social media to get word out and ask your followers to support our cause.
Take lots of pictures of your training for Celebrate the Movement! Share them on social media and with us!
Stay tuned to learn about challenges and prizes you can earn...this will be so much fun!
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
SPECIAL OLYMPICS RHODE ISLAND
The mission of Special Olympics Rhode Island is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
During this pandemic, the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island have had their world turned upside down. As more of their activities have been taken away from them, our athletes have come to rely upon their Special Olympics Rhode Island family to be there for them. Even through these challenging times, we promote their physical and emotional health virtually, and are carefully planning to return to play in mid-August with strict guidelines in place.
Special Olympics Rhode Island does not charge athletes or their families to participate. We depend on the generosity of families, individuals, companies and foundations to fund the services provided to over 4,000 Rhode Islanders with intellectual disabilities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?
Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.
Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.
What is the campaign registration fee?
This campaign is free to participate in.
However, we encourage you to donate optional/suggested amount during registration or you can always donate any amount on your fundraising page after the registration.
How can I create my fundraising page?
Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.
If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.
How do I join a team on this campaign?
While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?
All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.
Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?
The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.
That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.
Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.
Who can I contact if I need help?
You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.
How do I change or switch my team?
If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
CAMPAIGN CHAT
Please register for the campaign to see the chat activity. If you're already registered, login here.