Special Olympics Florida runner Samantha Rodriguez finds running as not only as a fun, social activity, but also as a way to relieve stress and better her mental health.
Inclusion Matters: Your Action Needed Today!
When you join our global movement, you become a change-maker who champions the acceptance of all people through the power of sport. With 46,000 sporting competitions a year in 177 countries and jurisdictions, and life-changing programming in education, health, and leadership, your help is urgently needed! We are actively recruiting athletes, unified partners, coaches, donors, and volunteers. Click on the map below to learn more about our work in each region of the world, and to connect with your local Special Olympics Program today.
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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.Cyclists Set New Guinness World Record Titles in RideLondon-Essex100
Following Lloyd Martin’s incredible achievements at last month’s TCS London Marathon, Special Olympics Surrey Cycling Club cyclists, Tom Kelsall and Hannah Kemp, have set new Guinness World Records titles by completing the Ford RideLondon-Essex100.1 Min ReadSamantha Rodriguez: Logging Miles & Leading the Way
To many, running is a solitary sport. One person, one route, one goal. But for Samantha Rodriguez, running has always been more than that. It’s been a way to connect, form a community, and create opportunities for those around her.3 Min ReadSpecial Olympics Triathletes Battle It Out at Challenge Family Triathlon
Triathlon Paves the Way for Inclusive Sport at the 3rd Annual Special Olympics European Open Triathlon2 Min Read
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
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
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.
#unifiedgenerationRaising the Profile of Disability Inclusion at the 77th World Health Assembly
Every year, representatives from Ministries of Health around the world gather in Geneva, Switzerland for the World Health Assembly (WHA)—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).3 Min ReadEmpowering Global Youth: The Stevens Initiative and Special Olympics Partnership
Stevens Initiative and Special Olympics have joined forces to expand cross-cultural learning experiences for young people worldwide.2 Min ReadBWF and Special Olympics Host First-Ever Federation-led Education and Competition Event
In another demonstration of the ever-strengthening partnership between Special Olympics and the Badminton World Federation, a global technical training and regional competition was recently held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.3 Min ReadSpecial Olympics and Topgolf to Partner in New Inclusive Fundraiser on September 27
Special Olympics and modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf will play host to the largest day of inclusive golf in the world during the Unified Fore Joy ProAm on September 27.1 Min Read-
Mission
Our Global 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
Featured Partners
Supporting Special Olympics throughout the world
