Search

Who We Are

Special Olympics is almost 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world plus families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and celebrities supporting us every day.
Athletes, families, coaches and volunteers from Greece at the 2011 World Summer Games in Athens.

Impact Around The World

With offices in over 170 countries, Special Olympics has events and competitions daily. Take a look at a collection of excellent photos from our international team.
Tip-off for a Special Olympics championship basketball game in Hubei, China.

The Power
of Sport

Special Olympics has earned the number one spot on a new list of high-impact nonprofit organizations.

Become a Monthly Donor

Special Olympics sports happen every day and monthly giving ensures reliable support year round. 
Gymnasts, 2011 Special Olympics World Games

Spotlight on Africa

More about Africa »
Deon Namiseb, Special Olympics Global Ambassador at the 2011 Summer World Games

"Believe in Yourself'!"

Born in Namibia with both an intellectual and physical disability, Deon Namiseb is an extraordinary example of the effect Special Olympics can have on an athlete's life. LEARN MORE ››


Anti-Malaria Campaign Debuts

Special Olympics and Lions Club International recently staged five Family Health Forum events to address health issues challenging our athletes, including a ground-breaking anti-malaria campaign. Learn more ››

Simba Conquers Kilimanjaro

Athlete Herith Sulimein, aka Simba, has proved that it is all about ability. He is the first African athlete to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Learn more ››


Spotlight on Asia Pacific

More about Asia Pacific »
Dec2011_300x200

Your personal courage can change our world

Revisit 2011 with athlete and event stories from past issues of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific newsletter. LEARN MORE ››


Scoring on her first try

Special Olympics Thailand’s Rattanaporn Thamsiwaphat's first World Summer Games in Athens was a defining experience. LEARN MORE ››

Fists Held High in Joy

The joyful atmosphere of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens was a catalyst for athlete Mio Osato to blossom. LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on East Asia

More about East Asia »
300x200 Hubei Basketball

Championship Basketball

Basketball championships for Special Olympics athletes in China and East Asia attracted more than 300 athletes, coaches from China, and Hong Kong, Macau, Chinese Taipei and Korea.LEARN MORE ››


Join Us in Shanghai

Join our Special Olympics Global Ambassadors to support East Asia's annual fundraising event and become an Unity Partner of our Movement. LEARN MORE ››

PyeongChang 2013 Update

See more information from the PyeongChang Games Organizing Committee. LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on Europe/Eurasia

More about Europe/Eurasia »
300x200_Israel_Award1

SO Israel Wins Top Award

Special Olympics Israel has been awarded the prestigous Wingate Award from the highly respected Wingate Institute, Israel.LEARN MORE ››


Power of Football

The power of football to transform lives for people with intellectual disabilities will be witnessed at the upcoming UEFA EURO 2012. LEARN MORE ››

Unified Partners Work for Change

Be inspired by two Unified Partners who work tirelessly to develop the Unified programme in Great Britain LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on Latin America

More about Latin America »
Special Olympics Central American at Glance 300x200

Power of Unity

In April, 550 athletes from 11 countries of Central America will compete in nine sports in Panama City, Panama. Learn More ››


Yes, You Can

Tennis legend Sixto Morales explains why Special Olympics is important to him and how its message is encouraging to all people. learn more ››

Never Give Up

A problem at birth led to an intellectual disability for Grette Hidalgo, but it has not stopped her. She has a big goal for her life. Learn More ››


Spotlight on MENA

More about Middle East-North Africa »
:may docMy Documentsاخبار 2011الالعاب الوطنية للاولمبياد الخاص الاردنيlead pic.jpg

Celebration of Silver Jubilee in Jordan

 In celebration of its Silver Jubilee, SO Jordan held its 11th national games Four hundred athletes representing 34 sports centers competed in  4 sports.  LEARN MORE ››


Table Tennis Festival in Baghdad

At the Youth Sports Club, SO Iraq held the annual Table Tennis Festival, which included a training course in table tennis for coaches and trainers of different ages. SEE MORE ››

New Board & First Meeting

 The first meeting of the first Central Specialized Federation for Intellectual Disabilities was concluded in Egypt recently. LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on North America

More about North America »
200x300-Zack and Anna

Against the Odds

Through Special Olympics, Zack has made many friends and learned important skills that have helped him succeed off the playing field.   LEARN MORE ››


Special Olympics Changed My Life

Jonathan is an accomplished athlete and he has been participating in Special Olympics for over two decades.  LEARN MORE ››

My Special Brother

Katie’s brother Tanner was born with Down Syndrome. As a sibling she knows first-hand about Tanner’s struggles but she has also seen him flourish.    LEARN MORE ››



Quick Links


“I am proud to be a Special Olympian. We are given opportunities to train and compete in Olympic-type sports and we always do our best. We train as hard as any athlete.”Hanako Sawayama, athlete media spokesperson for Special Olympics Singapore & International Global Messenger 

Resources for Leaders in Special Olympics

A group of people gathers around and joins hands
Photos, videos, info, how-tos and more

Special Olympics is a movement of leaders at all levels in close to 180 countries. For anyone passionate about our mission and ready to do something about it, we have tools and resources to get things done.
LEARN MORE


Special Olympics Sponsors

Become a Sponsor Meet Our Sponsors

Help us reach out to one more athlete

Donate »

Find local events and learn about volunteer opportunities at one of our 220 worldwide locations.

Find a location near you »

Show Your Support

Help with Special Olympics financial services products.
LEARN MORE »

Show Your Support

Coca-Cola has been a worldwide sponsor of Special Olympics for decades.
LEARN MORE »

Show Your Support

The Procter & Gamble Company has supported the movement for more than 28 years.
LEARN MORE »

Show Your Support

Mattel Corporation sponsors the Young Athletes program worldwide. 
LEARN MORE »

Special Olympics Blog

A World Without Differences

Imagine a world where people actively encouraged and included other people no matter their skin color, personal preferences, or their mental or physical abilities. Wouldn’t our society be a better place?read more »

Posted on 2012-01-19 by Rebecca

go to blog »


Search

*

Special Olympics - Become a Fan

Donate Now Donate Now