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
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
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.
FromNBC15
For Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters who missed out on the Polar Plunge due to COVID-19 changes, the organization is debuting a Sun Run & Solar Plunge to make up for it.
Rosemarie McCormick
FromSpectrum News
His weapon of choice weighs just eight pounds, but when Joseph Velasco walks to the line with it firmly in his grip, he knows he is just about unstoppable.
Shared by SO Illinois
FromPR News Wire
Melton inspired by his experiences with Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®
Shared by Daniel Curtis
Since she was born, Karissa Trinchera has been told what she wouldn’t be able to do things as a result of her developmental disability. But for most of her life, Karissa has been proving people wrong.
Shated by James Bell
A Bozeman couple donated $1 million to a Special Olympics Montana endowment that aims to raise $10 million.
Shared by Sidney Right
FromUpMatters.com
The idea behind the fundraiser is simple. If you donate a dollar, you receive a paper chain link. On the link, you write a name of someone special. In 2021, the community around Delta, Schoolcraft, and Menominee Counties, have a lot of love to share.
Shared by Antonio Myers
FromYahoo News
The coronavirus pandemic stopped many events, including some for Special Olympics Colorado.
Shared by Jessica Fiorello
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
OUR PARTNERS
Walmart