The Special Olympics Families program creates a network of support. The Family Support Network provides opportunity for the families to share and educate each other as well as engage in activities that enhance their caregiving and parental skills. Such as positive parenting education, others may engage in income generating activities which help improve the family income. Special Olympics Kenya engages and retains families through training of family leaders county wide; Advocacy an empowerment; Fit Families; donating healthy snacks and water to athletes after a training session; elected as a Family Support network office bearer;
How families can add value:
In fundraising activities. Being most affected can make appeals or make personal donations
Can initiate partnerships with local governments
Volunteer as coaches, partners, sit on the boards
Ensure health status of the athlete
Recruit new family members
Run with family-based programs/activities
How Does the National Director Support Family Leaders
Engage family leaders fully – involve them in all the activities not just FHF
Train them on all Special Olympics activities
Provide secretariat and logistics
Work with them to mobilise other family members for activities
Challenge them to create partnerships with the local governing councils
Allow them to sit on the boards
Train them alongside coaches