Special Olympics is shining a spotlight on bullying prevention on this day.
Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 is one of the winners of the 16th German Sustainability Awards.
Start a family tradition rooted in love and inclusion with the ONLY ornament that helps get more athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) into the game with Special Olympics.
There are hundreds of Special Olympics offices around the world that need coaches, trainers, officials, event organizers, fundraisers and managers.
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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- CHEERS FOR CHAMPIONS!
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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 Touch
See inspiring stories, photos and videos in our Special Olympics monthly newsletter.
Nyasha Derera Celebrates the 2023 World Games in Berlin
CDC report reveals 1 in 10 U.S. children have been diagnosed with a developmental disability.1 Min Read
Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes: Jamey’s Story
A Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis Athlete Leader brings together students of all abilities through Unified football.4 Min Read
Special Olympics International staff member Jason Rogers Honored with Prestigious Laura Lee Leadership Award
A Special Olympics China Athlete Leader, a 16-year-old student at the Puyang Special Education School in Henan, shares his personal growth story with Special Olympics.1 Min Read
Get Involved
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 Us
Through 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.-
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?
Share your story of Inclusion
Our revolution starts with you. Upload your video, photos and story to add your voice to the unified generation.
#unifiedgeneration
European Sports Conference Paves the Way for a More Inclusive Future in Sports
The 2023 Special Olympics European Sports Conference convened in Torino, Italy from October 18th to 21st, bringing together a robust group of over 100 sports directors and managers representing more than 40 National Programs, as well as Regional Sports Directors from across all continents.2 Min Read
Global Partnership Between FIVB And Special Olympics International Thrives with Events in Poland and Brazil
The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball and Special Olympics International have solidified their worldwide commitment to the cause of inclusion through sports with a series of events in Poland and Brazil in September and October 2023.3 Min Read
Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leader Gilmour Borg Speaks At EU World Mental Health Day Conference
Special Olympics Health Messenger Gilmour Borg shared his compelling journey from enduring bullying to emerging as an Athlete Leader, at the European Union's (EU) World Mental Health Conference in Brussels, Belgium.2 Min Read
School of Strength Video wins 2023 Sharecare Award in Health Living Category
The Special Olympics video School of Strength: Class is Now in Session presented by Drew McIntyre won the 2023 Sharecare Award in the Health Living Category.1 Min Read-
Mission
Our Reach
3,053,015
ATHLETES
46,028
COMPETITIONS
672,114
VOLUNTEERS
330,898
COACHES
41,666
ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS
18,350
Unified Schools
Featured Partners
