ATHLETES

Special Olympics is the world's largest program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities: it currently serves more than 2.5 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in more than 165 countries.

Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 30 Olympic-type sports for athletes 8 years or older. (For children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7, see the Young Athletesm section of this Web site.) No matter what your ability level, you can benefit from Special Olympics. And no matter what your interest, there is a sport for you.

Special Olympics is based on the belief 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.

Get involved.? If you are interested in participating as a Special Olympics athlete, check the Program Locator to find contact information for a Special Olympics Program near you.
FAMILIES

    Families are the most powerful and valuable natural resource available to Special Olympics. Families serve Special Olympics by reaching out to new athletes, coaching, transporting, raising funds, officiating, chaperoning and training other volunteers. Family members also make energetic and enthusiastic goodwill ambassadors because they know first-hand the benefits and joys of being part of Special Olympics.

    Special Olympics can provide those family members with a sense of pride in their athlete, a sense of accomplishment through sports, and the hope of an exciting and bright future for the individual as an athlete and citizen in any community. Additionally, Special Olympics can provide support and opportunities for sharing of challenges and accomplishments among family members.

    Special Olympics strives to involve families in activities and to encourage them to share in the joy that comes from such participation. At the national level, the Family Support Network provides a framework to support local programs involving families in the Special Olympics movement.

    Through Special Olympics, more than 2.25 million athletes — and their families (Read about some of our athletes and their families in the Meet our Families section) — are discovering that a bright future lies ahead. Special Olympics Families, funded through the generous contributions of Kim Samuel Johnson and the Samuel Family Foundation, brings your family a variety of ways you can become more supported, connected, honored and knowledgeable
    COACHES

    Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics around the world. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are role models and character builders. Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.

    Special Olympics coaches:

    • Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training.
    • Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches.
    • Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions. Visit the Coaching Guides section of the site to learn more about coaching each sport.
    • Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
    • Conduct demonstrations in the community.
    • Start Unified Sports® teams.

    Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life.

    Get involved as a coach. Contact your local Special Olympics Program to learn more.



    YOUTH

    Everybody can be a fan of Special Olympics. We know today's young people have the desire and energy to make the world a better and more accepting place for everyone. Special Olympics is here to help you turn your desire into involvement.

    Whatever level of involvement is right for you, make it official by joining the Youth Fan Club (our social network) and learn about the different ways to be a fan.


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