We challenge expectations every day. We create community, build confidence, and help each other realize our full potential.
We're athletes, and a lot more. Join a community that recognizes everyone's unique ability.
We're athletes, and a lot more. Join a community that recognizes everyone's unique ability.
More than 50 years ago, Special Olympics launched a global movement to break down barriers and end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.
Since then, this peaceful revolution has been changing lives all around the world. Join "The Revolution Is Inclusion"—and be part of a powerful new generation that celebrates all differences, all abilities!
Sign the Inclusion Pledge now—then share with your friends, family, everyone!
Inclusion In Action
Inclusion Works!
Michel needed a job to support his mother and siblings. He had some skills, but needed to learn a lot more to become a versatile auto mechanic. He also needed to adapt to working and communicating with a variety of people. The discipline he learned through team sports also helped. Thanks to his hard work, Michel is now a valued employee, as this brief glimpse shows.
From the very start, Lily had big dreams—and determination! She’s a trail-blazing young talent, who also happens to have Down syndrome. Still in her teens, she’s become a popular model & actress, most recently appearing on the Netflix series, “Never Have I Ever.” Here, she shares some tips for anyone else determined to follow their dreams.
Youssef saw his friends beaten and bullied, then he was beaten and bullied—all because they have intellectual disabilities. Instead of giving up, he became determined to show the world that people with ID can do anything ”if only we are given the chance.” In his own words, he inspires us to grab every opportunity to succeed, because “we are ALL able.”
Novie had a rough start, abandoned at birth in an inner-city hospital. Then Kelly stopped by her crib—and adopted Novie soon after. They’ve been together ever since! When Kelly fell seriously ill last year, landing her in the ICU before Christmas, Novie didn’t know how to cope. Here, she shares how she handled the crisis.
In Africa and elsewhere, Special Olympics conducts crucial outreach to help spread understanding about people with intellectual disabilities. This overcomes harsh stigma and brings new awareness among caregivers and others working with this vulnerable population. Here's just a glimpse into how this has brought new hope to Joyce, a young girl in Uganda.
Special Olympics: 50 Game Changers
ESPN and Special Olympics have teamed up on a year-long storytelling initiative telling the stories of game changing moments toward inclusion.
Make a Difference
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INCLUSION IN ACTION
Revolutions are made up of real people. Learn how these people have made inclusion more than just a word, but a rule they live by.
Improving school culture with the power of inclusion.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools looks to create more socially inclusive school environments around the country.
1 Min Read
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities inspire us every day at events around the world. But what are intellectual disabilities?
INCLUSION AROUND THE WORLD
From kids to communities, see inspirational examples of how inclusion is taking root, and leading to real change, both at home and around the world.
FromStyle of Sport
In January of 2020, a new course was introduced into the Parsons School of Design curriculum in partnership with Special Olympics. It was initiated through a connection with Special Olympics board member and fashion model Natalia Vodianova, and offered students the opportunity to create designs for Special Olympics athletes.
Fromeffie 2021
From the very beginning Special Olympics strives for social inclusion through sports. Our goal is to get sports clubs to open their doors for 7,500 athletes with an intellectual disability.
Watch the video!
Watch the video!
Chris Nikic (USA) has these qualities by the bucket load. On 7 November 2020, at Panama City Beach, Florida, USA, Chris became the first person with Down's syndrome to complete an IRONMAN® triathlon.
FromYahoo!life
Elisabeth Röhm on giving her teen daughter space: 'I've had to learn to stop being a hoverer parent'
The star—whose acting credits include Angel, Law & Order, American Hustle and the just-released Notorious Nick—is also embracing her new role as a celebrity supporter for Special Olympics.
FromFanSided
With the isolation and anxiety of a global COVID pandemic, Special Olympics has been working harder than ever to ensure the emotional well-being of its athletes.
FromDBLtap
Special Olympics has announced plans to partner with Microsoft in the launch of its inaugural esports event, Gaming for Inclusion.
The former WWE champion discusses his new ambassador role and his quest for another title.
As a passionate athlete, I can often be found practicing or competing at Special Olympics events or teaching others about health.
FromKHON 2
In the season of giving thanks, Special Olympics Hawaii is doing something new to raise money, and support local athletes this year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shared by Jason Smith
“No Shave November” is an awareness campaign during which participants forgo shaving in order to evoke conversations and raise awareness for cancer, along with a multitude of health issues and suicide prevention.
Shared by Rebecca Delavine
FromCheshire Herald
Special Olympics Connecticut has announced that Highland School, a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, is receiving national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities.
Shared by Brian Gresham
FromBloomberg
People with intellectual disabilities are one of the most vulnerable populations to Covid-19, mainly due to their lack of access to healthcare. Here's how the @SpecialOlympics is doing its part on keeping these individuals healthy during the #CoronavirusPandemic (Source: QuickTake)
Shared by Randy White
FromESPN
Theodore Roosevelt High School has good reason to be proud. This year it became Iowa's first school to be recognized by ESPN and Special Olympics for its efforts to be inclusive of students with disabilities.
Shared by Mike Baker
FromKCBD
Texas Tech has been included in a list of 36 schools throughout the United States that work to build a more inclusive community through its work with Special Olympics Texas.
Shared by Craig Lawrence
Pittsburg State University gets a grant to study Special Olympics Athletes. A $29,000 grant from Special Olympics North America will fund a research project involving 140 athletes across Kansas. That includes in Pittsburg and Parsons.
Shared by Brian Gresham
Kentucky State Police posts across the state are participating in a fundraiser for Special Olympics called Cover the Cruiser.
Shared by Brian Gresham
Fromwww.wtsp.com
Jacob Sare smiled when asked about his accomplishments on the field of play during his two decades of Special Olympics competition.
Shared by Nikki Villaneuva
Fromturnto10.com
A Special Olympics athlete is making sure her friends aren't forgotten about during these tough times.
Shared by Eric Leclerc
Frompatch.com
The Orland Park Police Department is hosting a bike ride benefit on August 30 for Special Olympics Illinois.
Shared by Denise Absher
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