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Transforming Lives

Everyone deserves a chance at a happy and purposeful life. Yet people with intellectual disabilities face doubt, barriers, and low expectations.  Help transform lives through the joy of sport.

Around The World

With offices in over 170 countries, Special Olympics has events and competitions daily. Take a look at a collection of excellent photos from our international team.
Tip-off for a Special Olympics championship basketball game in Hubei, China.

Become a Monthly Donor

Special Olympics sports happen every day and monthly giving ensures reliable support year round.  Through 31 December, your first monthly gift will be matched by a generous donor!
Gymnasts, 2011 Special Olympics World Games

No Mountain Too High

Special Olympics athletes from Africa and Asia Pacific conquered Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.

Spotlight on Africa

Deon Namiseb, Special Olympics Global Ambassador at the 2011 Summer World Games

Special Olympics Athlete Leader

Born in Namibia with both an intellectual and physical disability, Deon Namiseb is an extraordinary example of the effect Special Olympics can have on an athlete's life. LEARN MORE ››


Anti-Malaria Campaign Debuts

Special Olympics and Lions Club International recently staged five Family Health Forum events to address health issues challenging our athletes, including a ground-breaking anti-malaria campaign. Learn more ››

Simba Conquers Kilimanjaro

Athlete Herith Sulimein, aka Simba, has proved that it is all about ability. He is the first African athlete to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Learn more ››


Spotlight on Asia Pacific

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The Power of Sports in a Pinch

Special Olympics Asia Pacific, ESPN Star Sports and Affle have teamed up to ‘Pinch A Dollar for Special Olympics’, a donation drive to benefit Special Olympics athletes.  LEARN MORE ››


An Unforgettable Evening

Procter & Gamble employees in Singapore bonded with Special Olympics athletes in an evening of games. LEARN MORE ››

Fists Held High in Joy

The joyful atmosphere of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens was a catalyst for athlete Mio Osato to blossom. LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on East Asia

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Championship Basketball

Basketball championships for Special Olympics athletes in China and East Asia attracted more than 300 athletes, coaches from China, and Hong Kong, Macau, Chinese Taipei and Korea.LEARN MORE ››


Join Us in Shanghai

Join our Special Olympics Global Ambassadors to support East Asia's annual fundraising event and become an Unity Partner of our Movement. LEARN MORE ››

PyeongChang 2013 Update

See more information from the PyeongChang Games Organizing Committee. LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on Europe/Eurasia

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European Basketball Week is Here

The eight Special Olympics European Basketball Week is taking place across Europe from November 24-December 4th.LEARN MORE ››


Regional Sports Conference

The 2011 Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia Regional Sports Conference covered Special Olympics sports strategy, coach education plans and training.   LEARN MORE ››

Unified Partners Work for Change

Be inspired by two Unified Partners who work tirelessly to develop the Unified programme in Great Britain LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on Latin America

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Love of Football

Brazilians legends Romario and Zico, two beloved football heroes, are the latest to be join the Special Olympics movement and millions of athletes around the world. Learn More ››


Yes, You Can

Tennis legend Sixto Morales explains why Special Olympics is important to him and how its message is encouraging to all people. learn more ››

Never Give Up

A problem at birth led to an intellectual disability for Grette Hidalgo, but it has not stopped her. She has a big goal for her life. Learn More ››


Spotlight on MENA

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Meet Al-Araby

 The youngest of 7 siblings El-Araby had realized at an early age that he was different. He was the only boy in a house full of girls, and was much slower to grasp things . LEARN MORE ››


Plans and Discussions in Washington

The SOI Executive Office held its annual meetings in Washington DC from October 11-14, 2011. SEE MORE ››

New Board & First Meeting

 The first meeting of the first Central Specialized Federation for Intellectual Disabilities was concluded in Egypt recently. LEARN MORE ››


Spotlight on North America

Jackie Wittenburg with her winning medal

Pushing the Limits

Before Jackie Wittenburg joined Special Olympics, her mom, Kathy, worried.  She wondered how a new group of people would react to her daughter.  Jackie has Apert Syndrome. LEARN MORE ››


Ted's Excellent Adventure

Officer Rutt’s passion is hardly surprising.  When he was growing up, his mother, Carol, ran a day-care center at their house. LEARN MORE ››

The Weight on His Shoulders

Looking at Brady Tanner today it is hard to believe that the 250 lb., 5-foot-7 powerlifter was born just barely over 4 pounds.  LEARN MORE ››



Quick Links


“I was once very shy and not willing to talk with others. Special Olympics changed my life and my love of sports and helped me achieve all this unimaginable success.”Xu Chuang, Special Olympics China Athlete

Resources for Leaders in Special Olympics

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Photos, videos, info, how-tos and more

Special Olympics is a movement of leaders at the national, state, city and community levels in close to 180 countries. For anyone who is passionate about our mission and ready to do something about it, we have tools and resources to get things done.
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Special Olympics Global Sponsors

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Find local events and learn about volunteer opportunities at one of our 220 worldwide locations.

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Show Your Support

Coca-Cola has been a worldwide sponsor of Special Olympics for decades.
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Show Your Support

The Procter & Gamble Company has supported the movement for more than 28 years.
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Show Your Support

Mattel Corporation sponsors the Young Athletes program worldwide. 
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Special Olympics Blog

A fair warning before you see “The Descendants”

If hearing the "R-word" used several times in a gratuitous joke within a movie is something that is going to ruin a night out for you, save your time and heartache and do not see “The Descendants.” read more »

Posted on 2011-11-30 by Ryan

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