Summer Games, Off Like a Shot

In many parts of the world, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers are involved in track and field events.

Basketball's Worldwide Appeal

From weekly practices to World Games, basketball success is the dream of many of our athletes.

A Gift Every Day

Special Olympics mom Kelli Tobin celebrates inspiration this Mother’s Day. Meet Kelli, her family, and son, Colin -- a young Special Olympics athlete.

For Decades, A Focused Mission

The history of Special Olympics charts growth from a backyard sports camp to a worldwide movement of millions.
Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her husband, Sargent Shriver


Special Olympics Moments

Giving encouragement and joy to teammates when they succeed makes the team "all in" and allows all players to focus on the joy of the game.

Robin Schermerhorn, Family MemberRead the Story

I love my fellow athletes and look forward every year to track and field starting so I can see all my friends and strive to do my best.

Kara Siddons, AthleteRead the Story

I was very excited when I made the team as this has been my dream, to play high level football one day in my life.

Elvira Goagoses, AthleteRead The Story

Just being at his funeral and seeing our whole community there…you could just see the kind of impact he had on everyone.

Annette Lynch, Special Olympics StaffRead The Story

This one boy really disliked the idea and he was very vocal about it. ... Every week he took another step forward. It's been three months now and he's made such an incredible change.

Rachel Alm, Unified PartnerRead the story

Now he pushes on the ice, glides and gets some serious speed behind him. “Rory likes to go fast,” his coach says.

Kate McKenna, Special Olympics StaffRead The Story

“She’s excited, but we’re all excited. She’s been skating up a storm." Mystie's mother said, “Special Olympics has helped her so much."

Kate McKenna, Special Olympics StaffRead the Story

The hearing aids were placed in her ears. At that moment, Dr. Gil Herer said softly, "Alice." She looked up in clear astonishment. Tears came to her eyes.

Stephen Corbin, Special Olympics StaffRead The Story

The Thai coach must have spoken to his team during the break, because when the athletes and Unified partners came back on the pitch, they were in teaching mode.

Paige Okun, Special Olympics StaffRead The Story

My team had clawed their way back from a 20 point deficit. It was a tie with 10 seconds left and the other team had the ball. People in the stands were yelling at the top of their lungs.

Rafael Pacheco, Unified PartnerRead the Story

Spotlight on Africa

More about Africa »
Deon Namiseb, Special Olympics Global Ambassador at the 2011 Summer World Games

"Believe in Yourself!"

Born in Namibia with both an intellectual and physical disability, Deon Namiseb is a shining example of the effect Special Olympics can have on an athlete's life.  LEARN MORE ››


Becca's story

In my school I met two people who have disabilities and I felt bad so I made friends with them and they are really great and caring people. Read More ››

SO Tanzania athletes at the front of the referral line!

Special Olympics Tanzania conducted a FunFitness and Health Promotion screening in the Coastal Region on 13th April. Family members were encouraged to accompany athletes to provide the clinical staff with critical health information and history. Read More ››


Royal Bafokeng SportsA proud partner of Special Olympics in Africa.
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Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
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Spotlight on Asia Pacific

More about Asia Pacific »
Bharat Collage Website_300x200

A Million for Bharat!

Special Olympics Bharat registered its millionth athlete in March 2013. Chairman Air Marshal Denzil Keelor pays tribute to the various parties who have contributed to this milestone.LEARN MORE ››


Proud Achievement of a Special Boy

Umer Javed Happily showing off his Memento (Shield) and a certificate with a caption claiming his successfully completing 5 years of service with SKMT. Read More ››

From West to East: Washington Coach visits Tokyo

The Tokyo office in Special Olympics Nippon received a wonderful guest from Washington in March. Ms. Punkie Doyle is an athletics coach for Special Olympics Washington. She lived in Tokyo when she was a student. Currently, Ms. Doyle’s son is studying in Tokyo, and she took the chance to visit him. Read More ››

Sponsors in Asia Pacific

Become a SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Procter & GambleP&G has supported Special Olympics for more than 32 years.
Learn More »

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »



Spotlight on East Asia

More about East Asia »
Lee Myung-Bak, president of the Republic of Korea, declared the games open

2013 World Winter Games

Athletes from 110 countries competed against the world's best at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, January 29 - February 5. Latest News ››


Special Olympics Macau Unified Bowling Competition

Athletes from Special Olympics Macau and Employees from Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau had a unified bowling competition at Future Bright Bowling Center. Read More ››

2013 Special Olympics Korea Board Meeting

On April 12th, Special Olympics Korea Board Meeting and General Assembly was held in the Korea National Museum. Read More ››


Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
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Boeing ChinaBoeing China is a proud sponsor of Special Olympics.
Learn More »



Spotlight on Europe Eurasia

More about Europe Eurasia »
300 X 200 efw pic

Football Week is Here!

European Football Week Kicks Off Across the Region May 18-26. See whats happening!
Read More ››


Luxembourg celebrates European Football Week by playing Unified!

Special Olympics athletes from Luxembourg, France and Germany gathered together in Luxembourg to compete in a unified football tournament as part of 2013 European Football Week. Read more ››

2013: Thank you

In 2013 Special Olympics Poland organise Healthy Athletes Program during 4 national competitions. It is a pleasure for all of our Healthy Athletes staff and volunteers to cooperate with all of our supporters and donators! Read more ››

Sponsors in Europe Eurasia

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

European UnionThe European Union is a proud sponsor of Special Olympics.
Learn More »

EuroLottoA strong supporter of Special Olympics in Europe/Eurasia.
LEARN MORE »



Spotlight on Latin America

More about Latin America »
Unified Footbol in Latin America

Unified in Latin America

Athletes from 12 different countries are taking part in the biggest Unified Football event of the year in San José, Costa Rica. Learn More ››


With a Colorful Ceremony the First Central American and the Caribbean Unified Football Tournament of Special Olympics Gets Started

A true celebration marked the launch of the First Central American and the Caribbean Unified Football Tournament of Special Olympics in Costa Rica. Read More ››

Joining Forces for Football in Latin America

Unified Football Teams from Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and USA who will be competing in 1st Central American and Caribbean Special Olympics Unified Football Tournament learned with whom they will be grouped for the initial round of matches. Read More ››

Sponsors in Latin America

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

DigicelA strong supporter of Special Olympics in Latin America.
Learn More »

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »



Spotlight on MENA

More about Middle East-North Africa »
Rabah Kino of Lebanon on the slopes in Idaho, USA.

"My Life Champion"

He first skied down snowy slopes tucked between his mother's ski boots. Now Rabah Kino of Lebanon is an accomplished skier for Special Olympics. LEARN MORE ››


Peace and Sport

The United Arab Emirates is hosting the Peace and Sport Forum in Dubai this week. I was one of two members of the Special Olympics Board of Directors to take part. Read More ››

Empowering Youth

What was amazing is the number of people stopping by to ask about the r-word campaign, its purpose and how to be involved. Saudi and Kuwaiti citizens were interested in carrying similar activities locally and asked for assistance. Read More ››

Sponsors in Middle East-North Africa

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »

Procter & GambleP&G has supported Special Olympics for more than 32 years.
Learn More »



Spotlight on North America

More about North America »
300x 200 2013 Brand Saver image

Celebrating Moms in May

They're our number one cheerleaders and so much more. Let's celebrate the "moms" of Special Olympics during May! LEARN MORE ››


Crossing the Desert for Special Olympics

On June 2nd, I will once again be racing across another desert in support of Special Olympics. This time crossing the Gobi desert, I will continue my quest to complete the 4 Deserts series of ultra-distance stage events. But I won't be alone.. Read More ››

Athletes Gear Up for Special Olympics Texas Equestrian Competition

More than 145 Special Olympics Texas athletes from across the state saddled up for the 2013 Equestrian Competition last week in Bryan. Read More ››

Sponsors in North America

Become a SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Procter & GambleP&G has supported Special Olympics for more than 32 years.
Learn More »

Mattel Inc.Mattel Corp sponsors the Young Athletes program worldwide.
Learn More »




Events Around the WorldView the Worldwide Events Calendar »

Male athlete dribbles past his defenders.
Basketball Tourney

Sixteen European nations will gather in Istanbul Turkey to compete in the fifth European Basketball Tournament along with the Turkish Basketball Federation.

LEARN MORE
Three Special Olympics athletes crossing the finish line during a track competition.
National Games

The 8th National Singapore Games will take place 31 May - June 4.  Athletes from Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines will compete in six sports.

LEARN MORE
Athlete competing in swimming competition.
Summer Games

The Southern California Summer Games will take place on June 8-9 at Cal State Long Beach. Over 1,100 athletes will compete in six sports.

LEARN MORE

Upcoming Events Around the World


Date

Event

Location

Jun 1 - Dec 2 2013

Test Event A

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For more information
Dwilson
Email:dwilson@1over0.com
Phone:444-222-1111
View More

Portland Test Site
555 maine ave.

Portland, Maine
UNITED STATES

Jun 5 - 7 2013

End The R-word

This will be a weekend of anti-R-word activities. We will get people on the street to make their R-word pledge using mobile devices; we'll have a march to the city square where we will gather written and online pledges; we'll have a fun run and a picnic in the late afternoon. Finally, right at sunset, we will have a candle vigil and bonfire.
For more information
Will Schermerhorn
Email:will@blueberryshoes.com
Phone:703 338-1776
View More

City Hall
1 Main Street

Vienna, Virginia
UNITED STATES

Jul 14 - 15 2013

Fun Run Test EKS

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For more information
More Details
Kevin Stengle
Email:kstengle@1over0.com
Phone:333-333-3333
View More

Alamodome
444 Rio Grande Drive

San Antonio, Texas
UNITED STATES

Nov 30 - Dec 7 2013

Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games

The inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games will take place in Newcastle, New South Wales in 2013. The event will see Australia welcome more than 1,700 Special Olympics athletes, 600 coaches, 4,000 volunteers, and approximately 200,000 spectators from 25 nations across the Asia Pacific region.
For more information
Alex McNeilly
Email:alexm@specialolympics.com.au
View More

Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Newcastle, New South Wales
AUSTRALIA

Dec 6 - 9 2013

Test Event EKSCalendar - Multi-Day Event

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For more information
More Details
Rafael
Email:pacheco1128@gmail.com
Phone:216-224-1946
View More

Special Olympics HQ
1133 19th st Nw

Washington, DC
ANGOLA

Dec 28 - 28 2013

Rafael Test Event 12/11 Single Day

Here's the description of this event.

Special Olympics HQ
Washington, DC
UNITED STATES

Jun 13 - 21 2014

2014 USA National Games

The USA National Games be centered in and around Princeton and the Greater Mercer County area. Venues will include Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, and Mercer County Park. The New Jersey Devils have offered The Prudential Center as the venue for the Opening Ceremonies. The National Games will feature nearly 3,500 athletes competing in 14 Olympic-style sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and an estimated 50,000 family, friends and spectators. Non-competitive special events will include the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run™ that will symbolize the start of the competition and Healthy Athletes, a place where the athletes can get vital health screenings. Youth and education events will also be held in conjunction with the Games as young leaders rally around making change for the better of the Special Olympics movement and promoting acceptance of those with intellectual disabilities.
For more information
More Details
Greg Epperson
Email:gepperson@specialolympics.org
Phone:919-785-0700
View More

Several Locations - New Jersey
Princeton, New Jersey
UNITED STATES

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Videos and Photos

DifferentBarry Cairns tells what it's like to be a Special Olympics athlete.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

SpeechlessSpecial Olympics changed her life in deep and meaningful ways.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Summer GamesAround the world, months of practice are paying off.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Photos on FBSee photos and comments from our supporters around the world.See Photos »


Videos and Photos

Hope in HaitiLeo and Gedeon play in makeshift fields, tent towns, wherever they can.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Finding His VoiceDavid Egan has always dreamed big. Now look at him!Learn More »


Videos and Photos

Sport Teaches UsOur life-changing work is fueled by the power of sport.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Making SuccessDoctors said Lani is “never going to achieve anything.” Learn More »


Videos and Photos

Very Very SpecialMusic helps Special Olympics make an impact worldwide.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Around The WorldGreat photos of Special Olympics events and people.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Focus on ChangeWhat we do can't be done without our partners.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Power of SportsSports are a powerful way to change our athlete’s lives.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

What We DoSports, health, education, community and more.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Who We AreWe are athletes, families, celebs, volunteers and more.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Summer SportsOur athletes run, jump, swim and score in summer.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Playing UnifiedUnified Sports reveals strengths in every team member.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Healthier AthletesOur free health clinics are making a huge difference.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Deon NamisebHe's a speaker and role model. It didn't start that way in Namibia.Learn More »


Special Olympics Blog

Defying Expectations

Georgie is emerging as the only bona fide athlete in the Seigenthaler-Hayes family. There is no sport he won’t try, no athletic endeavor he’s won’t pursue. No fear. No trembling. Just do it. That’s how George rolls.

read more »

Posted on 2013-04-23 by Tim

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