Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Community Impact

The Global Legacy of “A Very Special Christmas”

Girl sitting in an orange t-shirt holding a tennis racquet smiling for a photo.

For more than 30 years, the biggest names in music have contributed to the “A Very Special Christmas” album series, the most successful benefit recording in history. Since the first album was released in 1987, artists like U2, Run-D.M.C., Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Carrie Underwood have contributed songs to the album series that hit the airwaves every holiday season. Royalties from the songs go directly to Special Olympics and enable the global expansion of the movement, providing funding to new and emerging Programs in over 160 countries and territories.

Grants from the Christmas Records Trust (CRT) allow Programs from Malawi to Mongolia to create a more inclusive world through sport. Nearly $70 million in grants have enabled the expansion of sport, health, and leadership programming, providing athletes around the globe with the opportunity to unify their communities and lead a joyful rebellion against discrimination.

A Very Special Christmas Compilation
Nearly $70 million in grants have enabled the expansion of sport, health, and leadership development for Special Olympics Programs around the world.

Learn more about Special Olympics athletes who are creating a more inclusive world through sport, thanks to “A Very Special Christmas”!

Recommended Content

Game Changer: A Very Special Christmas

For more than 30 years, the biggest names in music, artists like U2, Run-D.M.C., and Madonna have contributed to the “A Very Special Christmas” album series, the most successful benefit recording in history.

A Very Special Christmas

'A Very Special Christmas' broke records as the most successful benefit recording series ever. Take a look behind the scenes.