Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of sports to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Through year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports, Special Olympics is able to transform the lives children and adults with intellectual disabilities.Special Olympics currently serves more than 2.5 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in more than 180 countries. With sports at the core, Special Olympics now stands as a leader in the field of intellectual disability, enhancing and improving the lives of its athletes, and promoting a better understanding of intellectual disability in the areas of health, education, family support, research and policy change.
This year, Special Olympics celebrates 40 years of changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, along with building more inclusive and engaged communities around the world - places where each person, regardless of ability or disability, is accepted and welcomed and where every individual contributes to the strength and vibrancy of the whole.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Click Here to find a program near you Click here to listen to the Special Olympics Public Service Announcement