Special Olympics International

Special Olympics is a global movement that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power of sport. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health and education programs to more than five million athletes and Unified partners in over 190 countries.

Beyond the playing field, Special Olympics is a catalyst for inclusion, acceptance, and respect. The organization’s mission is to create a world where every person is valued and included, regardless of ability. Through initiatives like Unified Sports®, Young Athletes™, Healthy Athletes®, and the Global Youth and Education program, Special Olympics fosters communities that celebrate diversity and promote the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities.

Driven by the belief that “Inclusion is not a privilege, it is a basic human right,” Special Olympics builds a more inclusive world—one athlete, one coach, one community at a time.