We honor the women across the Special Olympics movement committed to creating a gender equal world.
Get your tickets for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin, the largest inclusive sporting event of the year taking place 17 – 25 June 2023.
Every day, Special Olympics is building an inclusive world—a world that celebrates ALL abilities. This fall, Special Olympics is celebrating how inclusion makes everybody's life better.
Explore a world of Captivating health resources.
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In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These stories come from all around the world-
Inclusion Works
We celebrate our most inclusive games in Special Olympics history by profiling global athletes competing in the Abu Dhabi World Games in March. -
50 Game Changers
ESPN and Special Olympics have teamed up on a year-long storytelling initiative telling the stories of game changers and game changing moments toward inclusion. Check back each week for a new story of inclusion. - Pledge to Include
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Stories of Inclusion
Special Olympics and over 5 Million of our athletes are leading the charge for full inclusion of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The movement is rooted in the spirit of our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who took a rebellious stand against the injustices faced by people with Intellectual Disabilities in 1968. Today, the fight for inclusion is more relevant than ever. People of all ages, races, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities continue to face discrimination, ignorance, and disparagement. Just as Eunice Kennedy Shriver did 50 years ago, Special Olympics is setting a stake in the ground to create change and, this time, our athletes are leading the way.
Stay In TouchSee inspiring stories, photos and videos in our Special Olympics monthly newsletter.
Loretta Claiborne receives USA TODAY's Woman of the Year award alongside other notables such as Michelle Obama.1 Min Read
When Gilmour Borg joined Special Olympics Malta seven years ago, he could never have predicted how much his life would change. The 21-year-old athlete was heavily struggling with his mental health when he first joined the Movement.3 Min Read
Extraordinary and talented women worldwide are forging change. At Special Olympics Asia Pacific, we are surrounded by women of grit who smash stereotypes and break biases every day to lead, motivate and bring about much needed change.2 Min Read -
Inclusion Works
Special Olympics offers many ways to take part. There are short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities, the option of playing Unified Sports and to become a Special Olympics athlete.
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
OUR ORGANIZATION
- About UsThrough the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
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Mission
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. -
History
From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968. -
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. -
Leadership Teams
Special Olympics is led by a senior management team with broad corporate and nonprofit experience. Seven regional offices around the world are headed up by managing directors who support the ongoing growth and development of programs in their regions. In addition, Special Olympics has a Global Athlete Leadership Council which features an Athlete Leader from each of the seven regions and provides feedback, guidance, and ideas to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and Leadership Team. -
About Intellectual Disabilities
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities inspire us every day at Special Olympics events around the world. But what are intellectual disabilities?
Our revolution starts with you. Upload your video, photos and story to add your voice to the unified generation.
#unifiedgeneration
The following is an excerpt from an op-ed written by Special Olympics Chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver titled “Is LEGO's toy diversity 'woke'? There's nothing wrong with visibility for disabilities.,” published in USA Today.1 Min Read
Special Olympics Chief of Global Youth and Education Jacqueline Jodl explains why Special Olympics is challenging governments to dedicate 3% of their education budgets to help educate students with intellectual disabilities.1 Min Read
Special Olympics has been named a winner in the 2023 PRNEWS Awards in the Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership & Diversity and Inclusion Campaign categories.1 Min Read
Special Olympics looks back at the last World Games and a meaningful partnership that established new programs and bolstered education initiatives.1 Min Read -
Mission
Our Reach
3,131,611
ATHLETES
33,742
COMPETITIONS
527,001
VOLUNTEERS
201
COUNTRIES & JURISDICTIONS
18,496
ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS
15,008
Unified Schools
Featured Partners
Supporting Special Olympics throughout the world
