Nadia Comaneci helps a budding gymnast.
Around the world, people with intellectual disabilities are humanity’s forgotten ones. At best, they are underestimated, excluded from activities and subject to discrimination. At worst, they are caged like animals: warehoused away in institutions, discarded by society and living in a nightmare of physical and emotional pain.
For many of the 200 million people worldwide who have intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is their only hope – their only chance to participate in sport, to experience joy, to receive basic health care and to be part of their communities. Through Special Olympics, their lives change radically. They discover inner strength and capabilities that change their minds about their own self-worth, and the minds of everyone around them.
Like Nicoleta Stan fom Bragadiru, Romania. At the age of 3, Nicoleta’s mother placed her in an institution. At the time, institutionalized children in Romania were rarely let outside to play, never mind interact with their communities. Special Olympics brought new opportunity to Nicoleta and others like her. Through training, she had the chance to go outdoors, practice sports and engage with coaches, volunteers and the public. In competition, she found a forum to tell her story to leaders like U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci from Romania – making her one of the symbols of change for institutionalized children with special needs in Romania.
Today, Nicoleta lives in a semi-independent group home, has reconnected with her mother and is even able to help her out financially through her part-time job. Most recently, she was the only young person with disabilities to participate in an online questionnaire by Save the Children – helping the international NGO better understand children’s views and present them to the European Parliament, the European Commission and European Union Member States. Nicoleta’s journey began in an institution, hidden from view – and now she is a respected voice for children, with and without disability, all over the world.
Through the medium of sport, Special Olympics is a catalyst for personal, societal and policy change worldwide. With every victory, no matter how small, our athletes win fans, change attitudes and help advance understanding and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. We are making an impact – but to reach all 200 million people with intellectual disabilities worldwide, we need your help.
Your donation helps give a voice to more athletes like Nicoleta. Even the smallest gift enables us to buy important supplies like basketballs, floor hockey sticks and whistles for our coaches. Donations also help us to give eyewear and hearing aids to athletes, so that they can see the finish line and hear their fans cheering.
Donate today online, and start changing lives and having an impact in your community and around the world.