2007—a year that the Special Olympics family prepared for so intensely and anticipated so eagerly—lived up to our high expectations. It was historic, spectacular, exhilarating, memorable and much more
Being a Part of Something Bigger
In 2007, Special Olympics came together to make the World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, the most successful in the history of Special Olympics. With almost 7,500 Special Olympics athletes from 164 countries, the ceremonies and competitions were magnificent. However, the World Games were extraordinary for many other reasons. Healthy Athletes® conducted 19,000 health screenings on athletes. The Global Policy Summit gathered international leaders to focus on intellectual disabilities. Youth with and without intellectual disabilities met for a Global Youth Summit and Global Youth Forum. And Special Olympics is proud to have been a catalyst in the advances for people with intellectual disabilities in China, now home to the largest Special Olympics Program.
In 2007, the growth of the movement continued, especially in the developing world, with new Programs in such places as East Timor and Vietnam, places where the need for Special Olympics is acute.
Read the 2007 Special Olympics annual report for more information about movement activity and accomplishments, financial highlights and a roster of Special Olympics Programs.
Special Olympics also makes available its audited financial statements and IRS Form 990.