Community Impact

Ending Health Disparities for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Ahead of the International Day of People with Disabilities, Special Olympics—with support from Golisano Foundation—convened global experts to discuss the policies, practices and programming that are urgently needed to eradicate the gross health disparities that exist for people with intellectual disabilities.

Watch a recording of the event to hear from Dr. Alicia Bazzano, Hon. Mike Lake, Dr. Peter Hotez, Dr. Emily Hotez, Dr. Vikram Patel, Global Health Messenger Kiera Byland and our Chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver. The recording also captures a conversation with Special Olympics athletes, families, and other caregivers moderated by Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Inclusive Health Health Golisano Dr. Timothy Shriver Intellectual Disability

Read more about our impact

Special Olympics Athletes Lead the Way Toward Inclusive Fitness The following is an expert from the CDC’s website post titled CDC and Special Olympics: Inclusive Health. For more information or to read the entire post, please visit the page here.
Tune in to learn more about the Special Olympics Festival at the World Games with Natalie Ullrich In this week’s episode, Josh and Novie spoke with Natalie Ullrich, senior manager of the Special Olympics Festival at the World Games.
A Three-Decade-Long Friendship Celebrated in Coach Receiving Outstanding Coach Award Coach Joe Bellini and Special Olympics athlete Will Smith have known each other for nearly 30 years. Their relationship isn’t the typical coach/athlete relationship because the connection runs so deep. Here is their story.
Special Olympics Athlete, Ashley Singleton, and her brother, Denver Broncos Linebacker, Alex Singleton, Star in This Week’s Episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio In this week's episode, Josh and Novie spoke with Sarah Jane Borchert, Manager, Translation for Easy Language for the Special Olympic World Games.
Improving Vision and Quality of Life of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities The 2022 Partnership Report highlights how Cooper Vision, Optometry Giving Sight and Special Olympics continue improving sight and quality of life of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities through Eye Care Practitioner training and screening events in the US and Kenya.

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Ann Costello and Tom Golisano watch an athlete receive an eye exam.

Press Releases

Tom Golisano Gifts $30 Million to Special Olympics to Expand Critical Health Services Globally for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Special Olympics announced today that it has received its largest single private gift in the organization's 53-year history.

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Images and titles of: Dr. Rachel Lavine: assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services; Loretta Claiborne: Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer; Dr. Alicia Bazzano: Special Olympics Chief Health Officer.

Community Impact

Special Olympics Hosts Q&A on the Safety and Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Special Olympics hosted Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a Q&A on the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Tim Shriver speaking

In the News

Tom Golisano Gifts $30 Million to Special Olympics in Organization’s Largest Single Private Contribution

Special Olympics Chairman of the Board Timothy Shriver, took the opportunity to thank Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation for the generous gift of $30 million to support the Special Olympics Healthy Communities program.

1 Min Read