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.
A Celebration of Golisano Global Health Leadership Awardees
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For every Special Olympics athlete in the US, there are 13 more waiting on the sidelines. Will you give them a chance?
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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.
Special Olympics Zimbabwe athlete Nyasha Derera has been beating the odds for his entire life.1 Min Read
With 13 international delegations travelling to Berlin, the National Games became an occasion to compete, socialize and prepare for the most keenly awaited Special Olympics event of the last few years: Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.2 Min Read
The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health on September 28, 2022, announced a national strategy to end hunger, reduce diet-related diseases by improving healthy eating and physical activity, and eliminate disparities surrounding them by 2030.1 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 2022 Coach Webinar Series is ready for action! Registration is now open to participate in the Coach Webinar Series, to hear from athletes, athlete leaders, and coaching experts from all over the world.2 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Team Speaks on Inclusion Revolution Radio About Health and Fitness1 Min Read
A strong partnership with the Greek government ensures that Special Olympics programming will be active in schools all across the country.4 Min Read
Practice Inclusion: End the Use of the R-Word2 Min Read
The research shows that when social media users are posting about people with intellectual disabilities, 7 in every 10 of those posts are negative, and 6 in 10 contain a slur. -
Mission
Our Reach
3,283,663
ATHLETES
30,001
COMPETITIONS
605,554
VOLUNTEERS
201
COUNTRIES & JURISDICTIONS
15,150
ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS
46,756
Unified Schools
Featured Partners
Supporting Special Olympics throughout the world
