By playing and leading together, we are creating an inclusive and welcoming world for all! Join “The Revolution Is Inclusion” now—and become part of a powerful new generation that celebrates ALL abilities!
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” now—and be part of a powerful new generation that celebrates ALL abilities!
Have you signed the Inclusion Pledge—and shared with your friends?
See stories and videos about Inclusion in Action.
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. Check back each week for a new story of inclusion.
Kayla McKeon is changing laws and attitudes as the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. As the Manager of Grassroots Advocacy with the National Down Syndrome Society, Kayla brings her personal story to the Nation’s Capital. When she’s not changing laws for millions just like her, Kayla is a Special Olympics New York athlete. No matter what you give Kayla, a ball or a bill, she’s going to run with it. And you better watch her because she can run fast!
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Growing up, Sam Perkins and Rodney Hankins developed a close bond playing sports on the streets of Brooklyn, New York, dreaming of becoming world champions. It wasn’t until Sam saw Rodney competing at a Special Olympics event that he realized his friend had an intellectual disability—and his attitude towards people with intellectual disabilities was changed forever.
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When Karen’s daughter, Violet, was born with an intellectual disability she didn’t know what to expect. Today, Karen is leading the charge to bring inclusive sport and play to children and their families through the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Follow Karen and Violet as they open a bright new world of possibility for children of all abilities!
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Jonny Pierce is record-breaking swimmer who exemplifies the talent and dedication it takes to be an exceptional competitor. As a Special Olympics Southern California athlete and member of the US National Paralympic swim team, Jonny is changing perceptions about the talent of people with intellectual disabilities around the world.
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As we move forward, we need to know you’re with us. Be a revolutionary and help end discrimination against people with Intellectual Disabilities.
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 their lives 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.
As the world rallies around Global Handwashing Day, it is important to bring awareness to those who face barriers and challenges around hygiene and handwashing.
Shared by Stephanie Corkett
FromUp Worthy
At age 10, he won a gold medal at the Special Olympics. Now he's one of the best players in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is one of the best players in all of football.
Shared by Mike Molly
Fromwww.patriots.com
Lawrence Guy walked by nearly 30 poster boards Friday morning at Bridgewater State University, looking intently at the photos and information on each one.
Shated by James Bell
FromWashington Post
The question isn’t whether we are a nation divided by anger and fear. The question is what we’re going to do about it.
Shared by Jessica Charles
FromForbs
Meet Caroline Casey. Her company is #valuable. Ring a bell? That's probably because this long-time rebel is absolutely fine with courting controversy and even happier making news globally for doing so.
Shared by Denise Absher
FromLancasterOnline
Track and field stories, in their simplest form, boil down to times, and distances, comparison and competition, personal gains and personal glory.
Shared by Carolyn Phillips
This year all of us who are part of the Special Olympics movement are proudly celebrating our 50th anniversary, and it is well worth remembering that our origins were during a divisive time in our nation’s history...
Shared by Crystal Hudson
FromHUMAN R.A.C.E.
Winning gave me the energy and drive to continue on this sporting journey, to fulfil my fullest potential. At the 2018 Special Olympics National Games in Riau, I won two silver medals in bocce in the singles and doubles categories. It felt extraordinary to achieve success at the national level.
Shared by Genevieve Jiang
FromMLive
If too many things stimulate his mind at one time, he has a difficult time calming down. But when he jumped into Clear Lake in West Branch on Friday, Aug. 14, all of those challenges washed away.
Shared by Wendy Carpenter
This Unified pair from Maui High School, Hawaii had the opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership Experience as part of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.
Shared by Elise Calanni
After years of adapting her daughter’s clothing to meet the girl’s needs, Nikki Green started a clothing line for children with disabilities.
Shared by Nikki
FromHuffPost
InclusiveU at Syracuse University wants students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have fully inclusive access to college.
Shared by Crystal Troxel
FromTED
As a mother with a son affected with Fragile X syndrome—a genetic disorder—Emilie Weight believes that a diagnosis of disability can create opportunity, not despair.
Shared by Merriam Winter
FromFIFA.com
Gerald Mballe left war-torn Cameroon on a dinghy. Football played an indispensable role in integrating him into Italian society. Didier Drogba watched him at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
Shared by Brian Gresham
The Tuscaloosa City Schools’ program combines Special Olympics athletes, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and partners, individuals without intellectual disabilities, on teams for training and competition.
Shared by Jamie Booth
FromWTVQ.com
About a month ago, a Lexington gymnast returned home from Abu Dhabi after competing in the Special Olympics World Games.
Shared by Jennifer Wright
FromWFMZ TV 69 News
Dozens of Special Olympics athletes brought their best soccer game to DeSales University.
Shared by Shawn Stephens
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