Special Olympics is a global movement that promotes inclusion and community for people with intellectual disabilities through sports, health and education programs.

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver said.

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults around the world. The organization says its programs help athletes build physical fitness, courage and confidence while forming friendships and sharing experiences with their families and communities.

The organization also reaches millions of athletes in nearly 200 countries through local, national and international programs. Its World Games, held every two years, showcase athletes on a global stage.

“Winning isn’t the only thing; it’s not even the most important thing,” Shriver said.

Beyond sports, Special Olympics offers health initiatives such as Healthy Athletes, which provides free screenings and education in areas like vision, hearing and dentistry. It also supports education through Unified Champion Schools, a program that brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together through sports and leadership activities.

Special Olympics continues to rely on volunteers, coaches and donors to support its mission of building a more inclusive world.