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 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.
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.
FromBBC.com
'Inspiring' athlete trains for Guinness records
A Yorkshire-based athlete is training for two Guinness World Record titles in endurance events that take place later this year.
Letter: Elon Musk Needs to Stop Using the R-word
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome and the leader of a business where more than half of our colleagues have differing abilities, I feel compelled to address your...
FromMontclair.edu
Use of the Slur “retard” Triples on X After Elon Musk Shares the Word in a Post
A study shows that Elon Musk dramatically increased content containing the slur “retard” on X after using the term in a post.
'It's Important': Local Volunteer Helps Drive Special Olympics
He played collegiate baseball in Florida and West Virginia, before returning home and coaching the sport at a variety of levels.
Aurora Volunteer 'Hooked' on Helping Special Olympics Grow
Dan Banks has always been involved with sports.
FromMSN
Disney on Ice hosts skating clinic for Special Olympics Kansas athletes
Special Olympics Kansas athletes had the opportunity to skate with some special guest stars from Disney on Ice on Wednesday.
FromNews Press Now
A Coach for Countless
Gray relishes longtime role as Special Olympics coach
CDC and Special Olympics: Inclusive Health
Physical activity is the cornerstone of good health. However, less than half of U.S. adults with disabilities meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.
FromWhiteHouse.gov
Remarks by President Biden at a Christmas For All Dinner in Celebration of Unity, America, and Special Olympics
Loretta, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
FromDCNewsNow.com
ILB Alex Singleton shares his inspiration for lifelong commitment to Special Olympics
Alex received the news that he was the Broncos' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee
From25NewsNow.com
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.
FromNBC: WBAL11
Special Olympics Maryland Athlete makes Super Plunge Family Tradition
"Inclusion is my favorite thing about Special Olympics..."
FromStripes.com
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
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.
FromABC5 KSTP
Why We Give: Special Olympics Minnesota
Special Olympics Minnesota works to create a world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. (video)
FromTheWeek.in
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.
FromWCYB 5 NBC
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.
FromBostonGlobe.com
‘I’m Really Terrified’: Disability Rights Advocates Concerned About Return of R-Word
So many students had never heard it in the first place.
FromCTV News London
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.
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