Introduction

Special Olympics is an international movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual challenges to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through Sports Training and athletic competition.

The movement involves:
¨ More than 200 Special Olympics Programs in 150 countries.
¨ 26 olympics-type summer and winter sports
¨ 7 regional offices around the world, including Belgium, China, Egypt, India,
Panama, South Africa and the United States.
¨ Approximately 500,000 volunteers
¨ More than 20,000 competitions around the world each year,

Special Olympics Mission

To provide year-round sports training and athletes 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 sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Vision

The Special Olympics Movement will transform communities by inspiring people throughout the world to open their minds, accept and include people with intellectual disabilities and thereby celebrate the similarities common to all people.