What Special Olympics is
Special Olympics supports broader inclusion, health, and participation through multiple program models, including year-round training and competition.
Resources
Special Olympics and community participation
Special Olympics can be more than a sports program. For many families, it can also be a practical entry point to recreation, inclusion, community connection, and participation.
Who it is for
Families most often hear about Special Olympics for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for sports participation, community-building, and friendship.
Young Athletes
An early childhood sport and play program for children ages 2 to 7, designed to introduce basic sport skills, movement, and participation.
Healthy Athletes
Includes free health screenings and health education in Special Olympics settings.
Unified Sports
Unified Sports brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team for social inclusion and belonging.
Why this matters for families
Recreation, participation, friendship, inclusion, and community connection are important parts of quality of life alongside formal service systems.
Local variation
Offerings vary by local chapter, age group, school partnership, and location. Check directly with the local or state program.
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