Our Impact
Special Olympics is creating a more inclusive world through the power of sport, health, education, and leadership. Our impact extends far beyond the playing field—empowering athletes to lead, improving access to health care and education, strengthening communities, and demonstrating what is possible when everyone is included.
By the Numbers
5,139,344
Total Participation
88,748
Total Competitions
29,005
Local Clubs and Programs
963,899
Volunteers
99,326
Schools Engaged in Special Olympics
105,486
Healthy Athlete Screening
Global Impact
Click the pins to learn more.
Asia Pacific
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 689,345
- Total Competitions: 14,006
- Local Clubs and Programs: 726
- Volunteers: 92,222
- Schools Engaged: 54,472
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 930
North America
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 941,670
- Total Competitions: 23,813
- Local Clubs and Programs: 14,729
- Volunteers: 543,472
- Schools Engaged: 20,460
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 64,974
Middle East / North Africa
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 225,701
- Total Competitions: 6,027
- Local Clubs and Programs: 1,139
- Volunteers: 17,389
- Schools Engaged: 1,493
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 6,294
Africa
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 470,769
- Total Competitions: 17,808
- Local Clubs and Programs: 1,433
- Volunteers: 29,148
- Schools Engaged: 11,714
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 5508
Latin America
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 436,497
- Total Competitions: 8,414
- Local Clubs and Programs: 2,460
- Volunteers: 66,065
- Schools Engaged: 3,141
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 13,264
East Asia
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 1,950,077
- Total Competitions: 10,113
- Local Clubs and Programs: 646
- Volunteers: 153,398
- Schools Engaged: 2,947
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 2,992
Europe Eurasia
- Total Participation (Athletes + Unified Partners): 425,285
- Total Competitions: 8,567
- Local Clubs and Programs: 7,872
- Volunteers: 62,205
- Schools Engaged: 5,099
- Healthy Athlete Screening: 11,524
Stories of Impact
They’ve Been There. They Want to Change It.
Eleven Projects that Could Change Special Olympics from the Ground Up
Trained, Transformed, Impatient
Athlete leaders attending the 2026 SONA Regional Athlete Congress explain why they are done merely talking; they are ready to get to work.
Play Like a Girl
Coinciding with Women’s History Month, these Games sent a powerful message to the world: everyone has a place in sport.
Bravery and Brotherhood: Special Olympics Jamaica’s Inspiring Journey from Wheels to Ice
Twin brothers Dale and Dave Oddman overcame numerous challenges to compete in short track speed skating at the Special Olympics World Winter Games—the least of which was training exclusively on roller blades!
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.