What is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics is an international movement dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society, though sports training and athletic competition.

The Movement involves:

• 1.4 million athletes, with a goal of 2 million by the end of 2005
• More than 200 Special Olympics programs in more than 150 countries
• 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports
• 7 regional offices around the world, including Belgium, Egypt, South Africa, India, China, Panama, and USA
• Approximately 500,000 volunteers
• More than 140,000 coaches
• More than 20,000 competitions around the world each year

Special Olympics Mission

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.

Special Olympics Vision

The Special Olympics Movement will transform communities by inspiring people throughout the world to open their minds, accept and include people with intellectual disabilities and thereby celebrate the similarities common to all people.