About Us

Special Olympics Mission

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disability, 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 Philosophy

Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disability can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. These must be adapted only as necessary to meet the needs of those with mental and physical limitations. Special Olympics believes that consistent training is indispensable to the development of an individual’s sports skills. In addition, 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 Vision

The vision of Special Olympics is to help bring Special Olympics athletes into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.

Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath

“Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Uniqueness from Other Sports Organizations

Special Olympics is more similar than different from other sports organizations. However, it is important to identify the five areas that make Special Olympics unique. Per Official Special Olympics General Rules:

1. A variety of sports opportunities are provided for all ability levels.

2. Ability groupings are created through a process called divisioning to provide equitable competition (evenness) for all athletes within each ability grouping (division).

3. Awards are provided to all participants who compete.

4. The established criteria for athlete advancement to higher levels of competition is based on order of finish for each division and random draw.

5. Special Olympics does not charge a fee to athletes (or their families) to train or compete.

Official and Recognized Sports

Official Summer Sports (21)

Aquatics*                                 Cycling*                                   Roller Skating

Athletics*                                 Equestrian*                             Sailing*

Artistic Gymnastics*               Soccer*                                   Softball*

Basketball*                              Golf*                                        Table Tennis

Badminton                               Judo                                        Team Handball

Bocce*                                    Rhythmic Gymnastics*           Tennis*

Bowling*                                  Powerlifting*                            Volleyball*

Official Winter Sports (7)

Alpine Skiing*                          Figure Skating                          Snowboarding            

Speed Skating                         Cross Country Skiing               Floor Hockey  

Snowshoeing

Recognized Sports (4)

Cricket                                     Netball                                       Kayaking

Floorball (Winter)

* Offered by Special Olympics Florida