Special Olympics is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.
More than 20,679 athletes participate in Special Olympics Michigan programs. Michigan has one of the largest programs in the U.S., but we're always looking for more athletes! Special Olympics Athletes are young and old. They have different backgrounds and hometowns. Some are gifted athletes; others must work very hard just to reach the finish line.
Athelete DevelopmentAlthough sports is the "vehicle," the ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate and receive respect as members of their communities. Through Special Olympics, athletes gain self-confidence and prove their own capabilities. Special Olympics Michigan is not just training for sports—it's training for life!
Training and CompetitionSpecial Olympics helps children and adults with intellectual disabilities improve their fitness, learn sports skills, and experience the joy of winning through regular training and competition. It's a year-round program and athletes can train for many different sports. It enables families to train together, to have common goals and to become part of the sports world of Special Olympics. Through Special Olympics, athletes gain self-esteem and discipline, which carry over into school, home and the workplace.
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Special Olympics Michigan Fact Sheet
