Special Olympics International

Creating positive and enduring change in the lives of people with mental retardation, their families, friends, coaches, volunteers and all who cheer them on. Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with mental retardation year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

Special Olympics serves more than 1 million persons with mental retardation in more than more than 200 Programs in more than 150 countries . That number is expected to double by the year 2005.

The Special Olympics Oath is "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Their mission is: To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with mental retardation, 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.

For more information, or to contact Special Olympics International, see their website at: www.specialolympics.org

» Recent News

Students from Around the World to Gather at Youth Summit to Promote Acceptance and Change
18 Jun 03 | Students with and without mental retardation from 17 countries will collaborate in a mission to promote acceptance when they attend the 2nd Special Olympics Global Youth Summit to be held from 21-29 June in Dublin, Ireland.

Afghanistan Special Olympics Athletes overcome almost insurmountable obstacles; will compete at 2003 World Summer Games in Ireland
16 Jun 03 | From the ashes of war-ravaged Afghanistan, five brave Special Olympics athletes who have struggled against incredible odds have been chosen to represent their country atcompete in at the upcoming 2003 World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.