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.
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.
FromFansided
Special Olympics Tennis Star is ready for the Experience of a Lifetime
Tennis athlete Kara Diachenko is honored to represent North Carolina at the 2026 USA Special Olympics Summer Games
Fromkoamnewsnow.com
Special Olympics Athletes Spend the day at Orion Ranch Sanctuary
The event, Heats and Hooves, was a chance for athletes to meet rescued horses, donkeys, and other animals.
FromMTNnews
Special Olympics Montana Basketball Tournament found their "Guy" (YouTube)
Guy volunteers his time to the organization.
Fromvillanovan.com
Play Unified, Live Unified
“I would say that the main goal of Unified is to encourage athlete partner interactions, both on the field and off the field,” Fonkalsrud said.
“It felt amazing”: FHS athletes join Special Olympians for an unforgettable night
Fans filled the bleachers, waving signs and clapping for every shot made, every assist given, and every high-five.
Frommocoshow.com
Timberlawn, Where Eunice Kennedy Shriver Inspired Special Olympics, Named Historic Site
The Montgomery County Council approved an amendment to add Timberlawn to Plan for Historic Preservation.
Fromtravelpulse.com
Debbie Quinlan earns Special Olympics Ontario Coach of Year award
"You never see the disability; you only see the ability"
FromNews Channel 5
Nashville selected as the host city for the 2034 Special Olympics USA Games
Nashville has been selected as the host city for the 2034 Special Olympics USA Games.
Kid Rock gets 'urgent request' from Special Olympics after using slur
Loretta Claiborne, the chief inspiration officer at the organization, wrote the rocker an open letter.
Special Olympics athletes, organizers meet with MPs on Parliament Hill
Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco spoke with athletes and organizers on Parliament Hill as they sought support from MPs and showed off some skills.
Fromrider.edu
Rider students volunteer at sports clinic with NY Giants and Special Olympics New Jersey
The opportunity is part of the University’s on-going partnership with the NFL team.
Frommlive.com
Focused on the next lap: Ann Arbor swimmer headed for 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
The first thing people notice about Josh Bunsis in the pool is his even temper, his coach Tammy Zajac said.
Frommlb.com
250 Special Olympics Athletes Shine in Softball Skills Assessment at loanDepot park
Special Olympics Florida hosted an action-packed softball skills assessment at loanDepot park.
Fromnews-gazette.com
Peyton Manning Returns as Honorary Chair for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift
Rallies owners and operators across the nation to volunteer their aircraft and time.
Fromnaplesnews.com
Inspired by her athletes, Kendell Regas steps into spotlight as Florida Coach of the Year
Kendell attends Special Olympics Florida’s Champions Gala to accept the organization’s 2025 Coach of the Year award.
Fromdailyherald.com
Saint Viator Students Support Special Olympics Athletes
Athletic director Nolan Dowling collaborated with Brenden Cannon and Nate Barney from Special Olympics Illinois to make the event a success.
FromFox 61
Connecticut athletes score at Special Olympics United Sports Fall Festival
The Connecticut Special Olympics Fall Festival united nearly 800 athletes across the state.
Video
Video
FromYahoo Finance
Special Olympics Minnesota and 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Launch "26 Weeks of Giving"
A Campaign to Champion Inclusion Across the State
Swimming to victory: Dexter Baylies-Grigoreas Wins Gold
Representing his community with pride, Dexter competed in multiple events and emerged victorious, winning gold in the 50m freestyle and backstroke.
WDSRA and Special Olympics: Where Inclusion, Athletics and Lifelong Friendships Come Together
Meet Andrea — athlete, teammate, cheerleader and friend.
Fromhpenews.com
Davidson County, NC Woman Recognized by Special Olympics
Wilkerson was one of five people awarded and honored at the SONC Billy Quick Leadership Award.
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