About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation is open to all individuals eight years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in 23 sports. Participation in Special Olympics helps athletes improve physical fitness and increase confidence and self-esteem. Through Special Olympics athletes learn valuable skills that they carry with them off the playing field and into their schools, jobs and communities.