Special Olympics: Empowering Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
A global movement transforming lives through the power of sports, inclusion, and human dignity.
Discover the inspiring history of Special Olympics, from its humble beginnings in 1962 to its evolution into a worldwide movement serving millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Learn how sports, competition, and inclusive community are breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Learn More
History of Special Olympics
From a single summer camp to a global movement, Special Olympics represents one of the most transformative humanitarian initiatives of the modern era.
Origins and Founding
Special Olympics was founded in 1962 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, whose personal commitment to individuals with intellectual disabilities grew from her family's experiences and values. Inspired by the inclusive sports experiences available to her sister Rosemary, Eunice envisioned an organization that would provide athletic competition and training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, who had been largely excluded from mainstream sports.
The movement began modestly with a summer day camp at Shriver's home in Maryland, where a small group of children with intellectual disabilities participated in athletic activities. The overwhelming success and positive impact of this initial experience led to the organization of the first official Special Olympics International Summer Games in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, drawing nearly 1,000 athletes from across the United States.
What started as a bold experiment in inclusion and athletic opportunity has grown into a global movement, now operating in more than 170 countries and serving millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and abilities.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Vision
Eunice Kennedy Shriver organizes the first Special Olympics summer day camp in her backyard in Maryland, providing athletic training and competition for children with intellectual disabilities.
Soldier Field, Chicago
The first Special Olympics International Summer Games are held at Soldier Field in Chicago, featuring nearly 1,000 athletes from the United States competing in track and field events.
Global Expansion
The first Special Olympics International Winter Games are held, expanding the organization's programs beyond summer sports to include skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities.
International Expansion
Special Olympics expands to multiple continents, establishing programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia, bringing athletic opportunities to millions of athletes globally.
Inclusive Competition
Special Olympics launches Unified Sports, a flagship program where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together as equals, promoting inclusion and friendship.
170+ Countries
Special Olympics now operates in over 170 countries and territories, serving millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities and continuing to break barriers and transform lives through sports.
Mission and Values
Special Olympics is driven by a clear mission and core values that guide every aspect of the organization's work.
Our Mission
Special Olympics transforms the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities by engaging them in Olympic-style competition and training. Through sports, they discover new capabilities within themselves and in their communities, while the world discovers their capabilities too.
Special Olympics believes in the fundamental right of all individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in community life and to have the opportunity to develop their athletic talents and achieve competitive success.
Core Values
- • Respect: Valuing the dignity and worth of all individuals
- • Inclusion: Welcoming athletes of all abilities into full community participation
- • Excellence: Promoting the highest standards in athletic training and competition
- • Courage: Encouraging athletes to challenge themselves and overcome barriers
- • Unification: Bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities
The Athlete Oath
"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
These powerful words, the Special Olympics Athlete Oath, encapsulate the spirit of the movement. They remind us that the value of competition lies not only in victory but in the courage and determination athletes display in pursuing their goals. This oath celebrates the warrior spirit within each Special Olympics athlete and affirms that their participation, effort, and courage are their greatest victories.
Programs and Sports
Special Olympics offers comprehensive athletic programs encompassing dozens of sports and recreational activities.
Summer Sports
Track and field, swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, softball, badminton, gymnastics, equestrian, and many more sports offering year-round training and competitive opportunities.
Winter Sports
Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, speed skating, snowboarding, and floor hockey, bringing the Olympic experience to winter athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Unified Sports
Innovative program where athletes with intellectual disabilities train and compete alongside athletes without intellectual disabilities as equal teammates, promoting genuine inclusion.
Motor Activities Training
Programs designed for athletes with significant physical and cognitive challenges, offering athletic training adapted to individual abilities and learning styles.
Young Athletes
Early childhood programs for ages 2-8 focusing on motor development, fundamental movement skills, and fostering a love of physical activity and sports.
Healthy Athletes
Comprehensive health services including fitness testing, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and health screening to support athlete wellness and athletic performance.
Global Impact and Reach
Special Olympics operates on a truly global scale, transforming lives in every corner of the world.
Global Statistics
- 170+
Countries and Territories
Special Olympics operates in more than 170 countries and territories worldwide
- 6.5M+
Athletes
Millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics programs
- 1M+
Volunteers
Dedicated volunteers support athletes through training, competition, and community programs
Transformative Outcomes
Special Olympics has demonstrated remarkable outcomes in the lives of athletes and their communities:
- ✓ Increased physical fitness and health outcomes for athletes
- ✓ Enhanced social skills and friendships across all abilities
- ✓ Improved self-confidence and sense of achievement
- ✓ Greater community acceptance and inclusion
- ✓ Economic empowerment through employment opportunities
Breaking Barriers and Changing Attitudes
Beyond athletic achievement, Special Olympics has fundamentally changed how society views individuals with intellectual disabilities. By showcasing the talents, determination, and capabilities of athletes on the world stage, Special Olympics has challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that intellectual disability does not limit human potential.
The organization's impact extends far beyond the athletic arena. Families report increased acceptance of their children with intellectual disabilities, employers recognize these individuals as capable workers, and communities embrace inclusion as a fundamental value. Special Olympics has proven that when given the opportunity, athletes with intellectual disabilities can achieve extraordinary things.
Get Involved with Special Olympics
There are many ways to support Special Olympics and make a difference in the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteer
Join thousands of volunteers who support athletes through coaching, event organization, training assistance, and community engagement. Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics.
Learn about volunteering →Donate
Financial contributions support athlete training, competition, and program development. Every donation makes a direct impact on athletes' lives and opportunities.
Make a donation →Unified Partner
Participate in Unified Sports programs where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together as equal teammates.
Find programs near you →Corporate Partnership
Organizations can partner with Special Olympics through sponsorships, employee volunteer programs, and corporate donations to support the movement.
Explore partnerships →Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Special Olympics and how the organization supports athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Share Your Thoughts
Have thoughts about Special Olympics and inclusive sports programs? We'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for your comment! We appreciate your thoughts.
There was an error submitting your comment. Please try again.