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Find out what's happening in your area.
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What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance
and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training
and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.7 million children and adults with
intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that
celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides
people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical
fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.
How many people does Special Olympics serve?
Special Olympics serves more than 1.7 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 200
Programs in more than 150 countries. That number is expected to double by 2005.
What is the Special Olympics Athlete Oath?
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
What is Special Olympics' mission?
To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for
children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical
fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship
with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved
physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow
mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm,
enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices"
as well.
Who leads Special Olympics?
President and CEO Bruce Pasternack leads a senior management team that includes John Dow, Chief Administrative
Officer, and Drake Turrentine, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Board of Directors. Timothy Shriver serves
as Chairman of the Board.
Special Olympics guides local, area, state/provincial and national Programs around the world. A volunteer
Board of Directors determines international policies and is composed of business and sport leaders, professional
athletes, educators and experts in mental retardation from around the world.
Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 years old and identified by an
agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive
delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive
delay that require or have required specially designed instruction. It does not cost anything to participate.
Can individuals with profound disabilities participate in Special Olympics?
Yes, through Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), developed by physical educators, physical
therapists and recreation therapists. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition.
When are Special Olympics World Games held?
The Special Olympics World Summer Games are held every four years; the 2003 World Summer Games were held in
Dublin, Ireland, on 20-29 June; the 2007 World Summer Games will be held in Shanghai, China. The Special
Olympics World Winter Games also are held every four years; the 2005 World Winter Games were held in
Nagano, Japan, on 26 February–5 March. The first Special Olympics World Games was held in
Chicago, Illinois USA, in 1968.
Are there differences between Special Olympics and Paralympics?
Yes, Special Olympics and the Paralympics are two separate and distinct organizations with specific
eligibility requirements.
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Work directly with the athletes, assist with competitions or assist in making our events
successful.
As a contributor, you are the springboard for the vision of Special Olympics, helping our
athletes better themselves and learn valuable lessons.
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"Thanks to the Athlete Leadership Program, I learned I am a very strong person on the inside."
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- Jake Rice, Middleton Athlete Leader
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