Special Olympics believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.

Principles

To provide the most enjoyable, beneficial and challenging activities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics operates worldwide in accordance with the following principles and beliefs:

• That the goal of Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become productive citizens.

• That, as a means of achieving this goal, Special Olympics encourages its more capable athletes to move from Special Olympics training and competition into school and community programs where they can compete in regular sports activities. The decision to leave or to continue involvement in Special Olympics is the athlete’s choice.

• That all Special Olympics activities — at the local, state/provincial, national and international levels — reflect the values, standards, traditions, ceremonies and events embodied in the modern Olympic movement. These Olympic-type activities have been broadened and enriched to celebrate the moral and spiritual qualities of persons with intellectual disabilities so as to enhance their dignity and self-esteem.

• That participation in Special Olympics training programs and competitive events is open to all people with intellectual disabilities who are at least 8 years old, regardless of the degree of their disability.

• That comprehensive, year-round sports training is available to every Special Olympics athlete, conducted by well-qualified coaches in accordance with the standardized Sports Rules formulated and adopted by Special Olympics, and that every athlete who participates in a Special Olympics sport will be trained in that sport.

• That every Special Olympics Program includes sports events and activities that are appropriate to the age and ability level of each athlete, from motor activities to the most advanced competition.

• That Special Olympics provides full participation for every athlete regardless of economic circumstance and conducts training and competition under the most favorable conditions possible, including facilities, administration, training, coaching, officiating and events.

• That at every Awards Ceremony, in addition to the traditional medals for first, second and third places, athletes finishing from fourth to last place are presented a suitable place ribbon with appropriate ceremony.

• That, to the greatest extent possible, Special Olympics activities will be run by and involve local volunteers, from school and college-age individuals to senior citizens, in order to create greater opportunities for public understanding of intellectual disabilities.

• That, although Special Olympics is primarily a program of sports training and competition, efforts are made to offer athletes a full range of artistic, social and cultural experiences through activities such as dances, art exhibits, concerts, visits to historic sites, clinics, theatrical performances and similar activities.

• That the "Spirit of Special Olympics" — skill, courage, sharing and joy — incorporates universal values which transcend all boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, race or religion.

* Special Olympics has changed its official terminology from “mental retardation” to “intellectual disabilities” for two reasons:
• First, as an athlete-led movement, Special Olympics responded to a call for a change from its athletes, who felt deeply the negative connotations and perceptions of the term mental retardation.

• Second, updating our terminology brings the Special Olympics movement more in line with the international community, which has used various terms (including intellectual disabilities) rather than mental retardation for many years.
It is important to understand that this action updates only the movement’s terminology; it is not a change in any way of the Special Olympics mission or athlete eligibility criteria for participation in Special Olympics. Please see the Special Olympics Language Guide for more information.