International Games Center

Major Special Olympics competitions around the world each year bring together athletes, families, coaches and fans. Overview of Our Competitions, Results and Schedules »

An alpine skier from Canada goes downhill

World Games

The 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, wrapped up in early February. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world competed and celebrated their sport achievements. The next Special Olympics World Games will be in Los Angeles in 2015, a summer games event.

Every two years, thousands of Special Olympics athletes worldwide come together to showcase their athletic skills and celebrate the spirit of Special Olympics, which holds over 50,000 competitions a year. 

The first Special Olympics World Games took place in 1968 and since then Special Olympics World Games have evolved into a world-class sporting event, attracting a wide range of sponsors, supporters and media. Alternating between Summer Games and Winter Games, Special Olympics World Games bring public attention to the talents and capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities, helping to change attitudes and break down barriers that excluded them from the mainstream of the community.

Games Results and News

Jan 29 - Feb 5 2013 2013 Winter Games PyeongChang, South Korea
Sep 21 - 23 2012 SONA Softball Invitational Tournament Oklahoma City, OK
Sep 11 - 17 2012 World Aquatics Invitational 2012 San Juan, Puerto Rico
Jun 6 - 9 2012 North America Golf Invitational Litchfield Park, Arizona
Sep 23 - 26 2011 North America Golf Invitational Port St. Lucie, Florida
Jun 25 - Jul 4 2011 2011 Summer Games Athens, Greece

International and Regional Games

All across the world these Games represent the best of what Special Olympics is all about- showcasing the tremendous capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics operates in seven distinct parts of the world, and the games each Special Olympics Region holds are competitive and communal at the same time.


About Special Olympics in North America


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Videos and Photos

DifferentBarry Cairns tells what it's like to be a Special Olympics athlete.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

SpeechlessSpecial Olympics changed her life in deep and meaningful ways.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Summer GamesAround the world, months of practice are paying off.See Slideshow »


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Photos on FBSee photos and comments from our supporters around the world.See Photos »


Videos and Photos

Hope in HaitiLeo and Gedeon play in makeshift fields, tent towns, wherever they can.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Finding His VoiceDavid Egan has always dreamed big. Now look at him!Learn More »


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Sport Teaches UsOur life-changing work is fueled by the power of sport.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Making SuccessDoctors said Lani is “never going to achieve anything.” Learn More »


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Very Very SpecialMusic helps Special Olympics make an impact worldwide.See Slideshow »


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Around The WorldGreat photos of Special Olympics events and people.See Slideshow »


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Focus on ChangeWhat we do can't be done without our partners.See Slideshow »


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Power of SportsSports are a powerful way to change our athlete’s lives.See Slideshow »


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What We DoSports, health, education, community and more.See Slideshow »


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Who We AreWe are athletes, families, celebs, volunteers and more.See Slideshow »


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Summer SportsOur athletes run, jump, swim and score in summer.See Slideshow »


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Playing UnifiedUnified Sports reveals strengths in every team member.Watch Video »


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Healthier AthletesOur free health clinics are making a huge difference.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Deon NamisebHe's a speaker and role model. It didn't start that way in Namibia.Learn More »


Special Olympics Blog

Defying Expectations

Georgie is emerging as the only bona fide athlete in the Seigenthaler-Hayes family. There is no sport he won’t try, no athletic endeavor he’s won’t pursue. No fear. No trembling. Just do it. That’s how George rolls.

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Posted on 2013-04-23 by Tim

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