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.
FromMashable
Why are people using the R-word again?
Once pushed to the margins of acceptable language thanks to campaigns like "Spread the Word to End the Word," the R-word all but disappeared from common use by the early 2010s.
Special Olympics Ambassador has Unique Story to Tell
At age 26, Amanda Harrinauth was properly diagnosed with autism. She turns 35 in November.
FromSOOLeader.com
State Unified Sports and Inclusion Center Expands
MiABLE proudly partnered with Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) on Thursday to celebrate the expansion of SOMI’s Unified Sports and Inclusion Center in Byron Center.
FromWDay Radio
West Fargo High School receives national Special Olympics recognition
Special Olympics is awarding the school with national banner recognition for providing inclusive sports/activities for learners w/wo intellectual disabilities.
FromNBC Connecticut
Matt Finkel goes ‘Over the Edge' for Special Olympics Connecticut
Matt was joined by Special Olympics Global Messenger Matt Glad, who was making his 14th rappel. This is the third year the two have gone down Mohegan Sun side by side.
FromWIBW 13
Two local athletes to compete at Special Olympics World Winter Games
Allison Schell, of Frankfort, and Bekah Henderson, of Topeka, will compete in the World Winter Games Turin 2025.
FromWCYB 5 NBC
Jonesborough native to represent Special Olympics USA in 2025
Chris Furches of Jonesborough of Tennessee is set to represent North America at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
3 Alaskans selected to represent Team USA at 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games
Sulynnette Vega-Ledesma, Tanana Valley’s Teagan Lockwood and Mat-Su’s Nathaniel Hunt who will be competing in Alpine skiing.
Williamsport man lights Torch of Hope at PA Special Olympics Summer Games
A Williamsport man who has been lighting a torch and directing the pathway for dozens of Special Olympics athletes over the years received recognition recently.
FrommyRGV.com
Local Topgolf joins Special Olympics for worldwide fundraiser
Topgolf of Pharr will be one of 40 sites around the world hosting a first-ever golf competition in the Special Olympics.
FromYouTube
Decorated 22-year-old athlete says there's more to the Special Olympics than awards
Catherine Darrow says the Special Olympics has given her a voice and a purpose.
West Orange High Alum, Swimmer Victor Wright Wins 50-Meter Breaststroke at Special Olympics Florida Event
Wright won the Special Olympics Florida Area 6 swimming competition and will move on to regionals.
FromNBC KRAK 4 News
Hot Springs Special Olympics Swimmer Exceeding Expectations in and out of the Pool
Anna Kate Slatton swims her way to the top in the Arkansas Special Olympics, finding herself a support system while making waves of victory in the pool.
FromKeysNews.com
CHANGING THE CULTURE: Dixon embodies coaches oath of Special Olympics
“He made Special Olympics cool,” said Coleman—Dixon has recruited more than 30 peers to volunteer at Special Olympic events. “He’s leaving a legacy that’s amazing.”
FromWRDE.com
Clinical Director for Special Olympics Delaware honored with health leadership award
Don Blackburn, the Clinical Director for the Opening Eyes program of Special Olympics Delaware has been awarded the 2024 Golisano Health Leadership Award.
FromABC KQ2
Special Olympics athletes visit Chiefs training camp Tuesday morning
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The Kansas City Chiefs had some visitors out at training camp on Tuesday morning.
Washougal Students Advance to Special Olympics Unified All-Star Soccer Game
Two Washougal High School students represented the Seattle Sounders FC at the 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 23.
From989xfm.ca
Christian Gerro, Matthew Anderson named Recipients of Special Olympics Nova Scotia Provincial Awards
Two Antigonish County athletes have been named recipients of provincial awards by Special Olympics Nova Scotia.
Nashville SC’s selected players for Special Olympics Unified All Star Game
Nashville’s Chris Parks and Adam Ramírez have been named to the 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports All Star Soccer Game on July 23 at Historic Crew Stadium.
FromMLSSoccer.com
Special Olympics Unified Sports® soccer players to compete in MLS All-Star week festivities
Major League Soccer (MLS) and Special Olympics today announced the rosters for the 9th annual Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game