During the last six years, I have been fortunate to manage Special Olympics Soccer, Softball and Basketball tournaments for athletes with disabilities in Ohio. Our tournament committee takes pride in offering an event that promotes healthy competition and physical exercise while providing a festive atmosphere for all who participate. These events have quickly gained a postive reputation in eyes of many involved with Special Olympics in Ohio. There are so many reasons for this feeling, from professional staff and caring volunteers to unique entertainment for visitors between games. These are the more obvious ways our tournament staff contribute to this reputation. One of the more subtle, but most effectives techniques is: WE MAKE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME
Our Advice: Imagine the team who drove across the state or country to attend your event. Maybe they got stuck in traffic, a player got sick on the van or the coach just got a phone call from a frustrated parent. Then they show up at YOUR EVENT to: check into their hotel, register their team and go to their first game. What kind of environment are they coming to? Are they showing up to an event that is generally excited they are there or do they deal with staff/volunteers counting down the minutes until their shift is over? Suggestions follow for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Creativity and attention to detail are important.
Greeters at your tournament hotels
Welcome banners at local businesses, city limit signs, game sites,exit ramps, etc.
Personalized good luck postcards in team rooms and banners at all game sites.
Display spirit center messages in the hotel lobby, registration site and field sites.
Host a welcome/registration reception
I saw the power of this at a Special Olympics Softball Tournament this summer. Ashtabula County(Northeast corner of Ohio) drove 5 hours to participate in the event hosted in Troy(Southwest Ohio). Their team was tired and stressed because of traffic and their team van got a flat tire. The registration volunteers dealt with them in a very professional manner answering any questions they had. Then they went to Diamond #1 to play their first game. Awaiting them at their dugout were two signs. One said Play Hard Ashtabula County and the other said Thanks for coming Ashtabula County. Their coach was overwhelmed to tears because of how welcome they felt. Quickly they forgot about their five hour drive and flat tire. This how you want teams to leave your event. They will come back!!