Creating an Inclusive World
Special Olympics is a global sports movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.
Get Involved
What We Do
Every day, Special Olympics events are taking place around the globe transforming the lives of millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities both on and off the playing field.
Sports
Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes, unified partners, coaches and volunteers with 32 Olympic-type sports.
Inclusive Health
Improving the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities.
Youth and Schools
Empowering Youth Leaders, educators, coaches, and families to build inclusive schools and communities for all.
Leadership
Unleashing leadership potential in people of all abilities.
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
Stories of Impact
Stories from around the world, inspiring courage, hope and confidence.
The ‘R-word’ inches back into the mainstream
An excerpt from the NBC News article detailing a recent return of the R-word in the language lexicon.
1 Min Read
Faces of Inclusion: Raising Yilu
Follow the inspiring journey of Zhao Yilu, a Special Olympics East Asia athlete.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics International Board of Directors Elects Three New Members
Washington, D.C. – 5 May 2025 – The international Board of Directors for Special Olympics elected new members Mrs. JoAnne Bessler, Mr. Mark McCorkle, and Mr. Toby Enqvist.
3 Min Read
Remembering Pope Francis
Special Olympics is paying tribute to the legacy of Pope Francis.
1 Min Read
Victory on Court 3: The Bomber Leads Italy to Glory
The Division B Unified floorball match on Court 3 was a thrilling showdown between Special Olympics Italy and Special Olympics Germany.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Marcel Schilling Wins Double Silver on the Slopes
Marcel Schilling, a charismatic 34-year-old snowboarder from Thurgau, Switzerland, has kicked off his Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 experience in style.
4 Min Read
Our Global Reach
With 5 competitions per hour across the globe, our movement represents over 5.3 million athletes, unified partners, coaches, and volunteers.
4,238,388
Athletes and Unified Partners
256
National and State Programs
20,160
Unified Schools
366,978
Coaches
72,468
Athlete Health Screenings
777,670
Volunteers
Join Our Movement
Join our movement, belong to an inspiring community and help us to build a better tomorrow for people of all abilities. With over 30 sports and nearly 50,000 games every year, there's an opportunity for you!
Become an Athlete
Become a Coach
Become a Volunteer
Featured Partners
Supporting Special Olympics throughout the world
Official Global Partner of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Healthy Hearing program
Stay Connected
Share your contact information so we can keep you up-to-date on all of the exciting work happening within our movement.