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.
FromWFTV9
Special Olympics Florida Hosts ‘Swim for Inclusion’ Fundraiser in Orlando
Special Olympics Florida continued their “Race for Inclusion” campaign Saturday with a fund and awareness raising event in Orlando. See Photos
FromFOX32
Teams Compete to Pull 48-Ton Plane at O'Hare Airport for Special Olympics
It was man and woman against a plane at O'Hare Airport on Saturday for part of the Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
FromCBS17
Video: Annual ‘Over the Edge’ Event Raises Money for Special Olympics of North Carolina
Annual ‘Over the Edge’ event raises money for Special Olympics of North Carolina
FromNBC: KOMU
Hickman Teacher to be Inducted into Special Olympics Missouri Hall of Fame
Fisher was "speechless" when she found out during a surprise announcement while working the scores table at her alma mater Hickman High School on Thursday, according to a news release.
FromFOX23
Owasso and Broken Arrow High Schools receive Special Olympics Award
Broken Arrow High School and Owasso High School are the only two schools in Oklahoma this year to receive national banner status from the Special Olympics.
FromSIlive.com
‘I saw some sights I thought I’d never get to see’: Daniel Block, an official with autism, draws memorable assignment
For people like Daniel Block, sports are a way of life.
Shared by Daniel Block
FromTulsaKids
Uniting Hearts and Abilities: The Special Olympics Fosters Inclusion and Connection
In the vibrant realm of the Special Olympics, champions are not just measured by their medals but by the unity, empowerment and joy they bring to everyone they touch.
FromNBC: KARK
Arkansas Schools Receive National Honors from Special Olympics for Achievements with Inclusion
Five schools in Arkansas have received national recognition for providing inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities.
FromWKOW
Janesville Special Olympian given lifetime achievement award
Allan Hanson is being recognized for his dedication to the Janesville area's Special Olympics.
Shared by Allan Hanson
FromWyoming News NOW
Johnson Junior High School to Receive National Recognition from Special Olympics for Achievements with Inclusion
Special Olympics Wyoming has announced that Johnson Junior High School, a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®, is receiving national banner recognition.
FromMedium
Partnership Between Special Olympics South Africa and the Shudufhadzo Foundation
The partnership aims to create awareness of the challenges faced by people living with an intellectual disability in South Africa.
Shared by Nomthandazo Dladla
FromBayToBayNews
Truck convoy for Special Olympics celebrates 21st year in Southern Delaware
Nearly 200 truck drivers from across the state and region will converge at the Delaware State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 23.
FromFOX Carolina
Greenville man takes Bronze at Special Olympics in Germany
Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023
FromABC27 News
Annual fall classic brings nearly 1,000 Special Olympic athletes
There were a variety of sporting events at Hershey High School from powerlifting to flag football to soccer and more.
The Thrill of the Game
Throughout the weekend almost 200 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, making up 14 teams from across the country converged on Peaks View Park to face off in softball matches.
FromYahoo Finance
Topgolf and Special Olympics to Hold a Giving Season on Sept 15 – Oct 31
Giving players the opportunity to donate to Special Olympics sports, health, and leadership programming.
Fromeffie 2021
Bowling Green Special Olympics takes over Diddle Arena
The first ever Bowling Green Special Olympics “Diddle Takeover” was in full force today.
SOSA Athlete leader, Rofhiwa Manwadu, a Champion of Inclusion
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
FromCourier
Unified Track Joins the Special Olympics Movement
The first Special Olympics season has arrived for the Warriors, and 13 students are headed to compete.
Shared by Alexa Viands
