Group of smiling Special Olympics athletes and friends
We challenge expectations every day. We create community, build confidence, and help each other realize our full potential.
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The Revolution is Inclusion Logo

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.”
Novie and her mother at an outdoor event standing in the bleachers.
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 thumbnail
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. Perlman evaluating an athletes oral health. Healthy Athletes, Special Smiles
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.
Illustration of the four pillars of health: Physical (runner illustration); Nutritional (apple with a bit out of it); Social (illustration of three people with the middle illustrations arms outstretched); Emotional (heart) Illustrations are on a colorful SO fit background.
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.
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.
The first ever Bowling Green Special Olympics “Diddle Takeover” was in full force today.
Rofhiwa Manwadu, a 39-year-old multi-medalist winning Special Olympics athlete from Vhembe, is a well-traveled man whose track record surely attests that hard work pays off.
Shared by Nomthandazo Dladla
The first Special Olympics season has arrived for the Warriors, and 13 students are headed to compete.
Shared by Alexa Viands
FromSOMD
On May 7, a University of Maryland student group teamed up with Special Olympics Maryland athlete leaders in an effort to promote inclusion on campus.
Shared by Roger Brow
Clarksville Police Department announced Friday they will partner with Special Olympics Tennessee to host a fundraiser event.
Shared by Denise Absher
Unified Sports, a program established through Special Olympics, puts people with intellectual disabilities and those without on teams together to promote social inclusion and mutual respect.
Shared by Eric Leclerc
Special Olympics Michigan is hoping to raise more than $1 million this year at events across the state.
Shared by Nikki Villaneuva
On Jan. 28, officers from Clarksville Police Department, in conjunction with Special Olympics Tennessee will be hosting a “Tip A Cop” event at Strawberry Alley Ale Works (103 Strawberry Alley).
Shared by Brian Gresham
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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