Seeking Glory Between the Lane Lines

Puerto Rico is the host of our world aquatics event.
South Africa's Craig Groenewald in a butterfly preliminary race

Steady Growth Around The World

The most recent stats on Special Olympics' reach and growth shows we've reached 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

Who We Are

Special Olympics is more than 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world plus families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and celebrities supporting us every day.
Young volunteers at a health screening clinic in Panama.

Better Health, Better Lives

Special Olympics works every day to improve the health of athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide. 
Volunteer dental students in a health screening clinic. 

Spotlight on Africa

More about Africa »
Deon Namiseb, Special Olympics Global Ambassador at the 2011 Summer World Games

"Believe in Yourself!"

Born in Namibia with both an intellectual and physical disability, Deon Namiseb is a shining example of the effect Special Olympics can have on an athlete's life. LEARN MORE ››


In Uganda, Her Life was Transformed

Florence faced a harsh childhood. Her mother abandoned her. Her father was harsh. Special Olympics is where hope began to shine. Learn more ››

Simba Conquers Kilimanjaro

Athlete Herith Sulimein, aka Simba, has proved that it is all about ability. He is the first African athlete to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Learn more ››

Sponsors in Africa

Become a SponsorMeet Our Partners

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »

Royal Bafokeng SportsA proud partner of Special Olympics in Africa.
Learn More »



Spotlight on Asia Pacific

More about Asia Pacific »
300x200_SEA Tournament

Play Unified!

The South East Asia Unified Football Tournament on 1 September gathers male and female teams from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for two thrilling days of action! LEARN MORE ››


ALPs in Indonesia


How Indonesia gives its athletes and youth a voice in the community. LEARN MORE ››

True Potential

Prabha Devi discovered her talents, only after transferring to a special school. LEARN MORE ››

Sponsors in Asia Pacific

Become a SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Procter & GambleP&G has supported Special Olympics for over 28 years.
Learn More »

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »



Spotlight on East Asia

More about East Asia »
2012 Macau RAC Meeting

2012 Special Olympics East Asia Regional Advisory Council Meeting Held in Macau

 2012 Special Olympics East Asia Regional Advisory Council Meeting Held in Macau

LEARN MORE ››


Join Us in Shanghai

Join our Special Olympics Global Ambassadors to support East Asia's annual fundraising event and become an Unity Partner of our Movement. LEARN MORE ››

PyeongChang 2013 Update

See more information from the PyeongChang Games Organizing Committee. LEARN MORE ››

Sponsors in East Asia

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »

Boeing ChinaBoeing China is a proud sponsor of Special Olympics.
Learn More »



Spotlight on Europe/Eurasia

More about Europe/Eurasia »
300x200_Games_Makers_Transportation_Team

Sam the Gamesmaker!

Special Olympics athlete Sam Haslam tells how he contributed to London 2012 being the most inclusive Games ever.Learn More ››


Power of Football

The power of football to transform lives for people with intellectual disabilities was displayed at UEFA EURO 2012 Quarter-Finals Read all about it! ››

Unified Partners Work for Change

Be inspired by two Unified Partners who work tirelessly to develop the Unified programme in Great Britain LEARN MORE ››

Sponsors in Europe-Eurasia

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

EuroLottoA strong supporter of Special Olympics in Europe/Eurasia.
LEARN MORE »

European UnionThe European Union is a proud sponsor of Special Olympics.
Learn More »



Spotlight on Latin America

More about Latin America »
Several swimmers at water's edge watch as one of them draws a heart in the sand.

World Aquatics in San Juan

The first Special Olympics world aquatics invitational is this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Athletes from 29 countries will compete in many categories. Learn More ››


Yes, You Can

Tennis legend Sixto Morales explains why Special Olympics is important to him and how its message is encouraging to all people. learn more ››

Never Give Up

A problem at birth led to an intellectual disability for Grette Hidalgo, but it has not stopped her. She has a big goal for her life. Learn More ››

Sponsors in Latin America

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »

DigicelA strong supporter of Special Olympics in Latin America.
Learn More »



Spotlight on MENA

More about Middle East-North Africa »
الاميرة للا امينة مع لاعبي الاولمبياد الخاص

Farewell to HRH Lalla Amina

 It is with great sorrow and sadness that the SOMENA region mourns one of its finest leaders of all times. HRH Princess Lalla Amina, Chairwoman of Special Olympics Morocco LEARN MORE ››


SO Advisory Council Meetings & Elections in Doha

The Qatari capital of Doha hosted the meetings and elections of the Special Olympics Advisory Council that were held from May 3 – 7, 2012. SEE MORE ››

Sponsors in Middle East-North Africa

Become A SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Procter & GambleP&G has supported Special Olympics for over 28 years.
Learn More »

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »



Spotlight on North America

More about North America »
300 x 200 Susie Doyens Smiling

Be Left "Speechless"

Susie Doyens remained practically mute for most of her childhood due to social pressure and anxiety. See how she literally shattered those fears with the confidence gained through Special Olympics. LEARN MORE ››


Merging Sports and Health within the Movement

Athlete leaders have demanded that we look closely at where we as an organization may have set our own expectations for our athletes too low, and to raise them. LEARN MORE ››

Rosa's Law

A journey that began as one Maryland family’s battle for respect and acceptance for their daughter and sister, Rosa, became a significant milestone... LEARN MORE ››

Sponsors in North America

Become a SponsorMeet Our Sponsors

Coca-ColaOur founding partner has supported Special Olympics for decades.
Learn More »

Lions Clubs InternationalLion's Club helps provide free athlete health clinics worldwide.
Learn More »




Quick Links


“I am proud to be part of Special Olympics. We are given opportunities to train and compete in Olympic-type sports and we always do our best. We train as hard as any athlete.”Hanako Sawayama, athlete media spokesperson for Special Olympics Singapore & International Global Messenger 

Resources for Leaders in Special Olympics

A group of people gathers around and joins hands
Photos, videos, info, how-tos and more

Special Olympics is a movement of leaders at all levels in close to 180 countries. For anyone passionate about our mission and ready to do something about it, we have tools and resources to get things done.
LEARN MORE


Help us reach out to one more athlete

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Find events near you and learn about volunteer opportunities at one of our 220 worldwide locations.

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU »

Videos and Photos

DifferentBarry Cairns describes what it's like to be an athlete with ID.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

SpeechlessSpecial Olympics changed her life in deep and meaningful ways.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Summer GamesAround the world, months of practice are paying off.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Photos on FBSee photos and comments from our supporters around the world.See Photos »


Videos and Photos

Hope in HaitiLeo and Gedeon play in makeshift fields, tent towns, wherever they can.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Finding His VoiceDavid Egan has always dreamed big. Now look at him!Learn More »


Videos and Photos

Sport Teaches UsOur life-changing work is fueled by the power of sport.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

World of OpportunityDoctors said Lani is “never going to achieve anything.” Learn More »


Videos and Photos

Very Very SpecialMusic helps Special Olympics make an impact worldwide.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Around The WorldGreat photos of Special Olympics events and people.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Partners in ChangeSpecial Olympics partners are essential to what we do.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Power of SportsSports are a powerful way to change our athlete’s lives.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

What We DoSports, health, education, community and more.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Who We AreWe are athletes, families, celebs, volunteers and more.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Summer SportsOur athletes run, jump, swim and score in summer.See Slideshow »


Videos and Photos

Playing UnifiedUnified Sports reveals strengths in every team member.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Healthier AthletesOur free health clinics are making a huge difference.Watch Video »


Videos and Photos

Deon NamisebHe's a speaker and role model. It didn't start that way in Namibia.Learn More »


Special Olympics Blog

Excitement in South Africa

Caryl Stern, who runs the US Fund for UNICEF, is in Johannesburg, South Africa with Special Olympics athletes and NBA Cares at a Basketball Without Borders clinic. read more »

Posted on 2012-08-30 by Tim Shriver

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