ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Special Olympics is the world's largest organization dedicated to providing developmental, recreational and competitive sport programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics movement now comprises over 172 countries, facilitating year-round opportunities that empower 4.5 million youth and adult athletes worldwide at local, regional and national levels.

Special Olympics has continued to extend its reach beyond recreation and athletics; programs such as Healthy Athletes and Athlete Leadership have been introduced to vitalize the health and personal growth of its athletes. Special Olympics is now the largest public health organization dedicated to people with intellectual disabilities, and its athletes are 5 times more likely to work than adults with an intellectual disability not enrolled in their programs.

Currently, Special Olympics continues to grow as it hosts events that cover a variety of levels. These include grassroots programs, school-based competition, regional games, national games, and world games, as well as community-based fundraising and awareness events. Special Olympics currently has representation in North America, Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.