Group of young adults huddling together with their arms around one another's shoulders. 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 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.
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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.

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.

Health Sciences Students Collaborate with Special Olympics Pennsylvania

Health sciences schools teamed up with Special Olympics Pennsylvania to collect health data for Project ALL STAR.

How Special Olympics have been life-changing for my son, and for me

Yet, after tagging along with my son's team, just as a spectator, and a dad, I have a new favorite: the pure form of competition that is Special Olympics.

KRON4’s Kyla Grogan honored as Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year

Kyla Grogan was surprised by being named Volunteer of the Year by Special Olympics Northern California.

The Advocate's 2025 Special Olympics boys athlete of the year: Live Oaks' Caleb Lee

Passionate is one way to describe Caleb Lee’s feeling toward Special Olympic competition, which he began at 8 years old.

Photographer capturing heartwarming moments of athletes

“I do photography, I do the awards ceremonies, I help coach, I'm a unified partner. So I do a lot of different tasks,” Doll said.

Special Olympics Tanzania conducts free healthy screenings

Dentist Sophia Mandari, who led the oral health screenings, underscored the importance of inclusive healthcare.

Railway Ministry replaces 'mentally retarded' with 'intellectual disability'

Officials said terms like "mentally retarded" have negative connotations besides sounding offensive.

Athletes Shine in Special Olympics

April 22, approximately 85 students from Weeki Wachee, Central and Hernando High Schools, along with Winding Waters K-8, came together in a Special Olympics tournament.

United Coalition for Down Syndrome Condemns the Rise in the Use of the R-word

Today, the United Coalition for Down Syndrome is speaking out against the alarming resurgence of the "R-word” in public discourse.

Congress moves to eliminate R-word from federal law

a bipartisan bill that would eliminate outdated and offensive terminology from federal law and replace it with respectful, person-first language for individuals with ID.
FromWTOP

Two athletes make history for Perry County Special Olympics swimming

Two athletes were the very first swim team to ever represent Perry County in the regional 10 Special Olympics swimming tournament.

Special Olympics skater want to be an advocate for others with special needs

The 26-year-old Special Olympian continues to compete in his sports discipline but hopes to become an advocate for younger athletes as well.

Inter Miami CF Kick Off 2025 Program for its Special Olympics Unified Team

Inter Miami CF continues championing inclusivity and diversity through the IMCF Special Olympics Unified Team for its fifth consecutive year.

Blind teen inspiring others with her voice

On Sunday, the Bay Area Panthers home game will feature the Special Olympics with the theme "Field of Dreams." Audrey will perform the National Anthem.

Special Olympics: Investing in inclusive sports is ‘game changing’

When venture capital veteran Martin Lichauco is not chasing corporate deals, he is promoting inclusive sports and youth leadership.

‘They support me’: Lake County Special Olympics athletes hit the track

”They support me, they’re a part of my family and they’re my friends,“ athlete David Kretschmer said.

Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin

The global organisation which provides sports competitions as an outlet for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, celebrates Turin 2025.

Creekside Students Take Part in Special Olympics Youth Leadership Summit

Students from Creekside School in Fairport showed off their leadership skills on Friday, participating in the Special Olympics Youth Leadership Summit at Nazareth University.

Local snowboarder to compete in Special Olympics World Games

Chris Furches on his way to Turin, Italy to compete in the Special Olympic World Games Turin!

ISP Sgt. to be a 'Guardian of the Flame of Hope' in Special Olympics World Games

Sgt. Jason Cagle will carry the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony on March 8. Video