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
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.
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.
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.
FromDeseret.com
How Unified Basketball Tournament impacted lives—for athletes and volunteers alike
The Special Olympics Unified Sports program is growing, and those involved couldn’t be happier.
FromMLB.com
Jesús Luzardo volunteers with Special Olympics
Luzardo encourages others to 'Go Coach!' with Special Olympics
FromCalgary Herald
Special Olympics program provides health care, education for athletes
This week, all 800 athletes competing in the Calgary Games will be offered health screenings/education.
FromFox 59
Polar Plunge celebrates 25 years of helping Special Olympics
The Polar Plunge, celebrating its 25th anniversary, challenges Hoosiers to take an icy dip to support local athletes with special needs.
FromCBC News
Canadian swimmer sees mentoring role after winning Special Olympics gold
Now that his team has won gold for Canada in the pool at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, Tyler says he would like to someday help younger athletes as a coach.
FromCBC News
I was ashamed of my disabilities. Then my parents insisted I compete in the Special Olympics
I was 11 when my parents gave me a choice: I could quit figure skating or transfer to a new club that had a program for people with disabilities.
FromCBC News
Dad discovers joy of coaching Special Olympians
Larry Robbins says he's usually the "loudest one in the arena" when cheering for Team P.E.I.'s Special Olympians.
FromCleveland.com
Unified Special Olympics games create lasting bonds between Ohio students
John Marshall High School hosted a Unified basketball event for six high schools, bringing together typical and neurodivergent students to compete in basketball.
Three from GHS lobby in D.C. for Special Olympics
A New York contingent for the Special Olympics’ “Capitol Hill Day” in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6 included 3 people from Guilderland High School: Unified Coach Alison Relyea, and athletes Alyssa O’Connor and Cole Miller.
FromWarwick Online
Hoxsie student donates $500 winnings to Special Olympics
First-grader Sofiah Kidd won a Feinstein Junior Scholar Golden Ticket, consisting of a $5,000 grant for her school and a $500 donation to a charity of her choice.
FromPR Newswire
FanSided and Special Olympics Return to Super Bowl Media Row with Unified Reporting Team
FanSided Hires Special Olympics Florida Athlete and Sportscaster, Malcom Harris-Gowdie as Unified Reporter
FromWJHL 11
Next stop Italy for Special Olympics snowboarder
Chris Furches took to a snowboard several years ago like a fish to water, and now the 24-year-old’s skill at the sport has garnered him an invite to next year’s Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy.
FromNBC: WDSU News 6
Louisiana Special Olympics athlete will compete on the national stage
Persephone White is preparing to compete in the USPA High School Nationals in powerlifting.
FromNBC: WBAL TV 11
Allegis Group Foundation, Aerotek to bring dozens of volunteers to Polar Bear Plunge
Every year, it takes hundreds of volunteers to put on an event like the Polar Bear Plunge.
FromCBS: WVLT
Athlete celebrates more than 10 years of competing at Special Olympics Tennessee
Halladay White has been an athlete with Special Olympics Tennessee for more than a decade.
FromEducation Week
Schools Should Boost Inclusion of Students With Disabilities, Tim Shriver Says
The United States does more to ensure access to education for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities than many other countries...
FromGloucester Times
Gloucester boys hoopers gift team manager Williamson with new shoes
A Special Olympics extraordinaire, Williamson, who has Asperger syndrome, has become a key part of the Fishermen athletics family.
FromRaiders News
AJ Cole surprises Las Vegas native and Special Olympics athlete with 'super' news
Sixteen-year-old Brandon Torquato is in store for a time of his life in the upcoming weeks.
FromTMZ
Tristan Thompson Teams up with Special Olympics... Becomes Ambassador
Tristan Thompson has a new job outside of the NBA -- the Cleveland Cavaliers player has been named the newest Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics!!!