Special Olympics is a global movement providing people with intellectual disabilities with opportunities to realize their
potential. Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with
intellectual
disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports, training
and competition.
Special Olympics were founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, sister of President John F.
Kennedy. Today, more than
2.5 million athletes participate in Special Olympics Programs from 185 countries.
Today
Special Olympics stands as a leader in
the field of intellectual disability. It is a truly global movement, with almost
550,000 in the United States, 500,000 in
Europe, 500,000 in China, more than 210,000 in India, while in Greece
the athletes are more than 11,000.
The Philosophy of Special Olympics
Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Special Olympics believes that consistent training is essential to the development of sports skills, and that competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth.
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.
The Mission of Special Olympics
To provide year-round sports training and athletic 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 a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities with continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.
The Principles of Special Olympics
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 :: World Summer Games Athens 2011