First Steps. Eunice Kennedy Shriver guided children with intellectual disabilities into sports at her Camp Shriver events, which were the predecessor to Special Olympics. Ireland in 2003. The Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, drew athletes with intellectual disabilities from dozens of countries scattered around the world.

Worldwide Mission

From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes for more than 43 years

Today, the Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, 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.

Give the Power of Sports to One More Person

Join us in changing lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Help us reach out to those who want to participate in Special Olympics but are still waiting for their chance. Your generosity enables Special Olympics to provide sports training, competitions, and programs that benefit athletes, their families and their communities.