Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Find Special Olympics Near Me
We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Your Program
Based on your location, your local program is %location%.
Your location could not be automatically determined. Choose a program below:
Your Special Olympics Local Program:
Looking for a different local program? Choose a program from the list below:
Africa
""
Asia Pacific
""
East Asia
""
Europe Eurasia
""
Latin America
""
Middle East North Africa
""
North America
""
Find It Fast
Find job opportunities with Special Olympics
What sports does Special Olympics offer?
Contact Special Olympics
Find events near me
Ways to give to Special Olympics

Search Results

There are 7,008 results that match your search. 7,008 results
Sport Partnerships

International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity

The International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA) is a professional association of scholars, professionals, and higher education students in the field of adapted physical activity. A partnership agreement first began between the IFAPA and Special Olympics International (SOI) on 18 September 2010 that provided a deeper association between both organizations through collaboration on projects of mutual interest and benefit. This partnership was renewed in June 2025 to reflect the commitment between IFAPA members and SOI. The partnership aims to explore opportunities for collaboration including attending and/or co-presenting at each organization’s conferences/symposia (e.g., International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity; Special Olympics Research and Evaluation Seminar Series), funding proposals, and /or involving members on committees or advisory boards. To learn more or ask a question, please email fitness@specialolympics.org.
In the News

Loretta Claiborne Honored as Local Hero in Pennsylvania

Loretta Claiborne and Eunice Kennedy Shriver holding their hands in the air
Spotlight PA recognized Loretta Claiborne as a Local Hero for her lifetime of work and accomplishments with Special Olympics. The following is an excerpt from the article titled PA Local Heroes: The champion athlete advocating for people with disabilities:
In the News

Special Olympics Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Frank Hayden

Man with his arm around an athlete showing support as she shows off her medal hanging around her neck.
The Special Olympics community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Frank Hayden, a pioneering figure whose contributions to the world of sports and disability advocacy have had a profound impact on generations of athletes and families. Dr. Hayden passed away at the age of 96, leaving a legacy that has transformed countless lives. 
In the News

Special Olympics Chairman, Tim Shriver receives the 2026 Laetare Medal

Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, was the recipient of the 2026 Laetare Medal at University of Notre Dame’s 181st University Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2026.
Community Impact

Family Matters: Voices for Parents With Disabilities

A promotional graphic for Inclusion Revolution Radio Season 8, Episode 1. On the left, Dr. Kara Ayers smiles at the camera; she is identified as a researcher with the Disabled Parenting Project. On the right, Special Olympics Virginia athlete Joey Barnett wears sunglasses, headphones, and a cap while holding up a medal. The background features blue geometric shapes and the Podville logo.
Hosted by Special Olympics North America athlete reporter RJ Nealon, this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio features guest Dr. Kara Ayers, parent advisor and co-researcher for the Disabled Parenting Project. Part of the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities, the Disabled Parenting Project was developed as an online community to foster connection and interaction among parents and prospective parents with disabilities.
In the News

Leading Through Training

a man in an equestrian outfit standing next to a horse and holding the reins.
The first Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Unified Coach Training marked a powerful milestone, bringing athlete leaders and coaches together in a unified learning environment and preparing athletes to step confidently into coaching roles.
Athletes

From Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Backyard to the National Stage: Tim Gowen’s Life in Special Olympics

Two men wearing dark blue t-shirts are coming out of the ocean onto a beach. They have their arms around each other.
Only a handful of Special Olympics athletes have had the opportunity to meet the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Even fewer athletes had the opportunity to compete in her backyard the year before Special Olympics even began. Luckily, for Tim Gowen, he was able to do both.
Press Releases

The Coca-Cola Company Becomes Official Partner of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029

A snowboarder comes down the hill with his arms raised at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025
[Chur, Switzerland – 18 May 2026] The Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 continue to gain strong international momentum: The Coca-Cola Company has been confirmed as an Official Partner of the Games, further strengthening one of the most impactful partnerships in the history of inclusive sport.
Press Releases

Nokona Celebrates 100 Years with Celebrity Glove Auction Supporting Special Olympics

3 multi-colored baseball gloves next to the logos of Nokona and Special Olympics
[Phoenix – March 26, 2026] Nokona, the iconic American-made ball glove company, in collaboration with Special Olympics, announces an online auction of exclusive baseball gloves.
Europe Eurasia Stories

“I can hardly believe I get to do this!” - Special Olympics Italia Athlete Launches His Own Children’s Book

A man stands amid a crowd of young people holding up a children's book.
Eros Zanotti launched the children’s book ‘Eros’ Magical Skis’ – which was inspired by the story of his journey to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 – at a feature event on Friday 22 May as part of the Special Olympics Italia National Summer Games.
Previous
Next