Created in 1968, Special Olympics is the world's largest sport program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities with training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.The Special Olympics movement is now thriving in more than 180 countries throughout the world and providing life changing benefits to more than 3.1 million athletes with intellectual disability.
Our Vision is a world where every person, regardless of their ability or disability, is accepted, welcomed and valued – where each individual can contribute to the strength and goodness of his or her family, community, and country.
The Special Olympics movement was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to the former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.
And it’s one thing to change a life…Special Olympics can also change a mindset.
Corporate partners, volunteers, coaches, spectators – those who have the privilege to be part of Special Olympics find that the experience opens their eyes and minds, and changes their lives forever. The Special Olympics movement transforms communities by inspiring people to open their minds, to accept and include people with intellectual disabilities, celebrating differences among all people….recognising and respecting the similarities we all share.
A Global Movement
Today, Special Olympics is a truly global movement, with more than 700,000 athletes in China, more than 400,000 in India, almost 550,000 in the United States, more than 600 in Afghanistan and 6,600 athletes in Rwanda. Volunteers are crucial to the Special Olympics movement. There are more than 300,000 coaches and more than 750,000 volunteers worldwide.
30,000 competitions take place global each year that transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, providing life-changing benefits that transcend the playing field.
Special Olympics International is led by Tim Shriver.
Word Games
Special Olympics World Games were held in Ireland in 2003, Japan in 2005 and Shanghai, China hosted the World Summer Games in 2007. Most importantly, Special Olympics sharpened the focus on its mission as not just "nice," but critical, not just as a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, but also as an effective catalyst for social change.
Empowerment not Pity
Special Olympics empowers people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential and develop their skills through year-round sports training and competition.As a result, Special Olympics athletes become fulfilled and productive members of their families and the communities in which they live.
Special Olympics is an experience that is energizing, healthy, skilful, welcoming and joyful.
Special Olympics and Paralympics
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Special Olympics provides sports opportunities for individuals with mental handicaps of all ability levels. Paralympics provides opportunities for elite-level athletes with physical or mental handicaps.
The Athlete Oath
During the Opening Ceremonies of each competition, an athlete repeats the inspiring words once used by the gladiators as they entered the arena “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”