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We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
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Get Involved

Families

Families Lead
Family Logo

Families are the number one fans of our Special Olympics athletes. They offer a unique type of support, love and encouragement that no one else can. Special Olympics is a support network that brings families together in a caring, positive way—and that makes the cheers for our athletes even louder!

Among Friends

At Special Olympics competitions and events, family members are among friends—and feel at home. They watch with pride as their athlete finds success and joy.

A mother in Great Britain says families are part of the team—working together to make it all happen. "Everyone in the programme accepts each other without question. Everyone works as a team supporting each other." She says her son has made great strides since joining Special Olympics. "I know this has meant a great deal to him and, as a mum, to watch Jamie achieve and believe in himself is just wonderful."

Building Communities

Families are an essential link to the community and wider support for our movement. To learn more about different volunteer and leadership opportunities available to Special Olympics families, please reach out to your local Special Olympics program.

For every family member who gets involved, Special Olympics has a reason to celebrate!

Special Olympics Handbook for Effective Family Engagement

Advice, stories, observations and tips from special olympics family and program leaders from around the world
Global Family Leadership Council

Amal Khafaoui

Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa - Sibling

Gang PENG

Special Olympics East Asia - Parent

Wendy Trotter

Special Olympics North America - Parent

Pelotlhomogi Rantseo

Special Olympics Africa - Parent

Vaiva Abramaviciute de Silva

Special Olympics Europe Eurasia - Caregiver

Claudia Peña Testa

Special Olympics Latin America - Parent

Nauman Mehboob

Special Olympics Asia Pacific - Parent
Recent Articles about Families

A Family That Speaks Up

At the heart of Abdel Rahman’s support system is Shahd, Abdel Rahman’s older sister, who realized early that being his sibling meant more than just growing up together; it meant standing up for him.
3 Min Read

Tender Hearts

When Su Anne Lee was younger, she was quiet, timid, even.But today, she greets customers at a bustling café, shares her story with others, and speaks on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities across Malaysia.
3 Min Read

From the Heart of Texas: Inclusion Shines at the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games

On this second episode host Novie Craven takes listeners on the road for a special edition of the podcast—recorded live at the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games in Melissa, Texas.
1 Min Read