Group of young adults huddling together with their arms around one another's shoulders. Group of smiling Special Olympics athletes and friends
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The Revolution Is Inclusion logo

More than 50 years ago, Special Olympics launched a global sports 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

How Does Inclusion Help?

Inclusion helps everyone--in so many ways. It helps stop bullying & brings people together. Join athletes around the world by taking the Inclusion Pledge!

What Inclusion Means to Me

Haseeb Abbasi of Pakistan says including people of all abilities simply makes the world a better place.

What Does Inclusion Mean?

Young people with intellectual disabilities know the pain of isolation. All they need is be treated equally—and they will shine.

Sport Unites

Every day, Special Olympics athletes prove how sport unifies. Join us in celebrating the inclusive power of sports!
Inclusion Works!

KEEPING A GREAT JOB—Work Lesson from Michel

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.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS—Work Lesson from Lily

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.

PROVING YOURSELF—Life Lesson from Youssef

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.”

COPING WITH ADVERSITY—Life Lesson from Novie

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.

Role Model for Inclusion: Meet Steven

When COVID-19 hit, Steven was on the ‘front lines,’ making sure his community had everything they needed: taking on not just one job—but two (at a grocery AND at a retail superstore)! Read more about Steven's story.

"Inclusion Can Never Be a Bad Thing"

No one expected Deran’s inspirational role model to be someone with intellectual disabilities,especially Deran. See how he’s become a force for inclusion!

The Beginning of Hope

After seeing the impact of inclusion in their own lives, Catherine & Claude are ready to push for change in their homeland, Cameroon: “One day the world will be educated and accept people with disabilities… It will one day come.”

Let Us Shine

Champion athlete/snowboarder Daina’s powerful testimony inspires: why is inclusion not just important—but essential? You’ll see why she’s a Champion FOR Inclusion.

Healthcare for All

Over 80% of healthcare providers are not professionally trained to treat people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Yet, people with ID are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. Learn More!

Joyce’s Story

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.

Dr. Steven Perlman

In the 1990s, Dr. Steve Perlman and Eunice Kennedy Shriver met to discuss the lack of access to health care for people with intellectual disabilities, who were often denied treatment.

Ben and Nell

Nell Coonen-Korte had no idea her passion for sport would inspire the creation of a global inclusive fitness model.
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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.

Ponaganset Students Create “The Inclusion Pledge”

Improving school culture with the power of inclusion.
1 Min Read

Generation Unified

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools looks to create more socially inclusive school environments around the country.
1 Min Read

About Intellectual Disabilities

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.

Athletes shoot for strikes at Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament

Before a packed house at Peoria’s Landmark Lanes, more than 300 athletes shot for strikes Saturday at the Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament.

Buffalo Bills participate in NFL’s My Cause My Cleats 2024

Players have the opportunity to pick a cause that is important to them and represent their chosen organization on custom designed cleats.

Special Olympics Maryland Athlete makes Super Plunge Family Tradition

"Inclusion is my favorite thing about Special Olympics..."

Revitalized Special Olympics continues to grow at Air Force base on Okinawa

Nearly 80 athletes gave their all during the 20th Kadena Special Olympics beneath soggy skies at this U.S. base over the weekend.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-18/special-olympics-kadena-okinawa-15882926.html
Source - Stars and Stripes

Special Olympics Global Centre Summit in Abu Dhabi

Zayed University will host the Special Olympics Global Centre for Inclusion in Education Summit tomorrow at its campus in Abu Dhabi.

Why We Give: Special Olympics Minnesota

Special Olympics Minnesota works to create a world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. (video)

Special Olympics Bharat hosts event for talent awareness in athletes with intellectual disabilities

Event 'Special Harmony,' creates awareness about potential and how to take it to a higher level.

Special Olympics and Refugees: Bridging Communities Through Sports

The Sport for Refugees Coalition aims to share member's stories who are working with refugees and host communities, through sport. 

London Special Olympian wins North American Gold Medal

Special Olympian Chris Lauzon of London, Ont. won gold at the North American Special Olympics golf tournament in Wichita, Kansas on Nov. 3, 2024.

Special Olympian Athlete has Helped Kellogg CC Cross Country Team Reach Nationals

KCC freshman Julian Borst has set school record in cross country as men's, women's squads won regional championships

Project ALL STAR

UW-La Crosse welcomed Special Olympics athletes to campus as part of a new, nationally-funded initiative focused on understanding how Special Olympics programs improve athletes' lives.

Special Olympics Volunteer Coach Lisa Balus marks 25 years of volunteering

Coach Lisa Balus is marking 25 years of volunteering with the local chapter of the Special Olympics New York. Watch the Video

Resurgence Of ‘R-Word’ Alarms Disability Advocates

For a decade, disability advocates led a concerted effort to stomp out use of the word “retard.” Now they’re concerned that the language appears to be making a comeback.

The resurgence of the r-word

Disability advocates spent a decade campaigning against the slur. Now it’s coming back.

Why are people using the R-word again?

People on X are posting the slur with abandon.

Special Olympics Uses Sport to Promote Inclusive Education

In line with the 2024 theme of 'Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies,' Special Olympics promotes inclusivity.

Spread the Word Inclusion Campaign Kicked Off

The global campaign promotes inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It encourages schools, organizations and communities to pledge their support.

Former Washington Commanders Legends Host Clinic for Special Olympics Athletes

It was the first-ever Play it Forward clinic at Northwest Stadium.

Indianapolis Skier Selected for Special World Winter Games 2025

Tommy Sliva, 33, will compete in Alpine skiing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, held in Turin, Italy, from March 8 – 15.