Special Olympics volunteers serve as a pillar of our organization.
A conversation between a Special Olympics athlete and employee on the intersection between autism and badminton
Chris Nikic Film premieres on World Down Syndrome Day
Our athletes are fighting health disparities—urging all to see the person first, not the disability. Learn more about how inclusive health saves lives.
Presentamos una nueva forma de ejerciciarse, con el Jugador de Segunda Base de Nueva York Gleyber Torres y el Catcher de Chicago Willson Contreras.
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Introducing a new way to exercise, featuring New York Second Baseman Gleyber Torres and Chicago Catcher Willson Contreras.
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Introducing a new way to exercise, featuring New York Second Baseman Gleyber Torres and Chicago Catcher Willson Contreras.
Advocating for priority access to the vaccine is more important now than ever! People with ID are dying of COVID-19 at much higher rates than the general population.
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In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These stories come from all around the world
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#InclusiveHealth in Action!
We celebrate our most inclusive games in Special Olympics history by profiling global athletes competing in the Abu Dhabi World Games in March. -
50 Game Changers
ESPN and Special Olympics have teamed up on a year-long storytelling initiative telling the stories of game changers and game changing moments toward inclusion. Check back each week for a new story of inclusion. - Pledge to Include
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Stories of Inclusion
Special Olympics and over 5 Million of our athletes are leading the charge for full inclusion of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The movement is rooted in the spirit of our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who took a rebellious stand against the injustices faced by people with Intellectual Disabilities in 1968. Today, the fight for inclusion is more relevant than ever. People of all ages, races, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities continue to face discrimination, ignorance, and disparagement. Just as Eunice Kennedy Shriver did 50 years ago, Special Olympics is setting a stake in the ground to create change and, this time, our athletes are leading the way.
Stay In TouchSee inspiring stories, photos and videos in our Special Olympics monthly newsletter.The following is an excerpt by The Washington Post from the article titled, For World Down Syndrome Day, meet 3 young people who dream big and achieve.1 Min ReadTania Wright was looking for activities to do with her best friend, Kimberly Henry, when she stumbled upon Special Olympics.2 Min ReadUnified Sports® in Uganda's schools, clubs and federations gets boost from the GIZ Global Project “Inclusion of People with Disabilities”.1 Min Read -
#InclusiveHealth in Action!
Special Olympics offers many ways to take part. There are short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities, the option of playing Unified Sports and to become a Special Olympics athlete.
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
OUR ORGANIZATION
- About UsThrough the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
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Mission
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. -
History
From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968. -
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. -
Leadership Teams
Special Olympics is led by a senior management team with broad corporate and nonprofit experience. Seven regional offices around the world are headed up by managing directors who support the ongoing growth and development of programs in their regions. In addition, Special Olympics has a Global Athlete Leadership Council which features an Athlete Leader from each of the seven regions and provides feedback, guidance, and ideas to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and Leadership Team. -
About Intellectual Disabilities
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities inspire us every day at Special Olympics events around the world. But what are intellectual disabilities?
Our revolution starts with you. Upload your video, photos and story to add your voice to the unified generation.
#unifiedgenerationJennifer Wardlow loved collecting pins at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Connecticut. A staple of major Special Olympics competitions, the pins are designed to represent the athletes’ states and/or countries.4 Min ReadDr. Alicia Bazzano, Chief Health Officer at Special Olympics, and Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, joined the Inclusion Revolution Radio podcast alongside host Novie Craven.1 Min ReadWhen Olivia Ingalsbe arrived at SUNY New Paltz to play for the women’s soccer team, the foundation of Special Olympics was already cemented on campus.2 Min ReadNew $5 million grant underscores Bank of America’s longstanding support of leadership programming4 Min Read -
Mission
Our Reach
3,283,663
ATHLETES
30,001
COMPETITIONS
605,554
VOLUNTEERS
201
COUNTRIES & JURISDICTIONS
15,150
ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS
46,756
Unified Schools
Featured Partners
Supporting Special Olympics throughout the world