The partnership between Special Olympics International (SOI) and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) began in 2011, when SOI and IPF officials met at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, to discuss common interests. That meeting led to a Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2013, that opened IPF competition to Special Olympics athletes. Since 2013, Special Olympics athletes have competed every year in a dedicated Special Olympics division at IPF events.
In 2026, SOI and IPF renewed and updated the MOU, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing powerlifting for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Under the renewed agreement:
- The IPF provides technical expertise, standardized rules, coaching education, and support for developing officials and volunteers.
- IPF International Category Referees officiate Special Olympics powerlifting events.
- Special Olympics athletes pay no participation fees at IPF events and are not subject to drug testing in the Special Olympics division.
- The two organizations work together through joint committees, events, workshops, and shared research, and meet in person at least once a year to review progress.