Learn more about the power of coaching from SOEA coach Jiang Jianqiang as he details his experience of being a teacher and coach at a special education school in Guangdong Province, China.
Watch the reaction of Special Olympics Papua New Guinea athlete Samantha Maiasa, who was born deaf, hear sounds for the very first time.
Join Special Olympics in celebrating Women’s History Month as we highlight all women within our Movement who help make Special Olympics possible around the world.
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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
- CHEERS FOR CHAMPIONS!
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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 Touch
See inspiring stories, photos and videos in our Special Olympics monthly newsletter.Sana's Story
Where there is light, there is hope.Let some light into your life and watch Sana's journey from being chained up and excluded in her village in Pakistan to competing at the Special Olympics Berlin World Games 2023.Kayleigh Williamson Recognized by FanSided for International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, FanSided recognizes Kayleigh Williamson and 19 other women who have made strides for women and people everywhere in the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion. The following is an excerpt from the FanSided article on Kayleigh:1 Min ReadThe Olympics Celebrate Special Olympics Mother During World Down Syndrome Day
“These kids we label ‘special’, are truly born to do special things in their lives!”1 Min Read
Have you ever heard a story of a girl who chased her dreams, until they became her reality? That’s my daughter, Muskan Garg.
Get Involved
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
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OUR ORGANIZATION
About Us
Through 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.-
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?
Share your story of Inclusion
Our revolution starts with you. Upload your video, photos and story to add your voice to the unified generation.
#unifiedgenerationSpecial Olympics – Five Days in Folgaria
A new sports documentary following the athletes, coaches and volunteers of Special Olympics Great Britain has been released globally by BBC Sport.1 Min ReadGlobal Coalition for Inclusion Signed in Ghana and Seychelles
Special Olympics Ghana hosted the first signing in the Special Olympics (SO) Africa Region of the Global Coalition for Inclusion with the Republic of Ghana on 27 November 2023.2 Min ReadSpecial Olympics Continues to get Active in Winter Sports
Alex Singleton has laced up his cleats countless times throughout his amateur and professional football career. It’s part of his well-honed pre-game routine, something that does not change from game to game. But on December 3, 2023, there was a change. A noticeable and meaningful one.4 Min ReadSpecial Olympics Announces New Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative to Help Strengthen Health Systems to Include those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Rosemary Kennedy inspired Eunice Kennedy Shriver to found Special Olympics, and Special Olympics is excited to further honor her memory with the newly launched Rosemary Collaboratory.2 Min Read-
Mission
Our Reach
3,914,758
ATHLETES and UNIFIED PARTNERS
46,028
COMPETITIONS
672,114
VOLUNTEERS
330,898
COACHES
41,666
ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS
18,350
Unified Schools