Inspiration

There are few more effective ways of portraying the power of the Special Olympics movement than to hear from the athlete themselves how Special Olympics has transformed their lives. And every athlete has a story. A story that starts with shame and disappointment, but ends with immense joy and pride. Today we reach over 2.5 million athletes around the world. We have 2.5 million stories of individuals with intellectual disabilities showing courage, overcoming obstacles, trying, succeeding, and exceeding our expectations. And we will not stop. We will not stop until we have reached the estimated 190 million individuals with an intellectual disability that are hidden in our neighbourhoods and our communities. We will not stop until we have told 190 million stories that end in victory.

In the words of Special Olympics South Africa athlete and Chairman of the Global Athlete Congress Ephraim Mohlakane, “I have been working with different community centres around here and all over the world to create awareness. We have made some progress but we still have a long way to go.”

Participation

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.

There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics and all new athletes must register with their local program and obtain a medical clearance certificate.

The Special Olympics Young Athletes™ program was created for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7 and involves play activities and an introduction to sports. Athletes with multiple and profound disabilities may participate through the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), developed by physical educators, physical therapists and recreation therapists. MATP emphasizes training and participation rather than competition.

Benefits of participation

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.

Athlete Leadership

Special Olympics is not only athlete centric, but athlete led too as athletes are involved in decision making at all levels of the organization.

Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered "non-traditional." Through ALPs, athletes serve on Boards of Directors or local organizing committees. Athletes excel as spokespersons, team captains, coaches and officials. Demonstrating their skills in all facets of our society.

“Special Olympics has helped me a lot, both in my health and my well being.
I have been able to grow as an individual and I am now very confident about
myself and I feel as if I am a valuable member of society”