ORGANISATION SPOTLIGHT: SPECIAL OLYMPICS INTERNATIONAL
Special Olympics International provides inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to discover and unleash the champion within. Special Olympics athletes experience the thrill of competing in authentic sports. They overcome defeat, taste victory and stay active for life.
With more than four million athletes and Unified partners and one million coaches and volunteers in over 200 accredited Programs, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year.
CHAMPIONING THEIR MISSION
To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and participate in competitive sport. We help our athletes build relationships with their friends and families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
UNITING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SPORT
Special Olympics welcomes individuals with ID into all programs regardless of age, background, or ability level. As part of a global movement, we serve an often-overlooked population with inclusive sports, health, and leadership opportunities. Our diverse staff and volunteers reflect the communities we serve and are united in advancing the Inclusion Revolution, and we empower our athletes to lead. Our Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) includes athletes nominated for their leadership potential who serve three-year terms, advocate for peers, and help shape Special Olympics programs from within. By creating space for all voices, especially those with ID, we ensure our mission is driven by the people it represents—from athletes and coaches to donors and advocates.
BRINGING ATHLETES TOGETHER
Our Special Olympics Unified teams are the shining stars of inspiring change in the world of inclusive sport, promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability. That makes practices more fun and games more challenging and exciting for all. Having sport in common is just one more way that preconceptions and false ideas are swept away.
LEVELLING THE FIELD
At Special Olympics we stand by the belief that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all model, it’s about tailoring support so that every athlete can thrive. Levelling the field doesn’t always mean the field is flat, it means that there are hills and supports in the places for those who need it to be able to succeed.
REMOVING BARRIERS TO SPORT
Special Olympics aims to remove barriers to opportunity and meet the unique needs of all individuals with ID. Our programs are offered at no cost, with added support like transportation, health services, and school-based access. We ensure fair competition through divisioning — a Special Olympics practice that groups athletes by age, gender, and ability level. This allows every athlete an equal chance to succeed, whether that means achieving a personal best or winning gold.
A GLOBAL STAGE FOR ATHLETES
All around the world our athletes train and strive to achieve their very best every day. During World Games, the entire Special Olympics movement comes together to see our athletes in action and celebrate their victories over huge odds. No other event in the world has the social and emotional impact of the Special Olympics World Games.
For the athletes and their families, the experience opens doors to unimagined possibilities. For volunteers, coaches and other supporters from all parts of the world, the Games inspire hope for and belief in a brighter future of global acceptance, understanding and unity.
