Everybody is different. Special Olympics is for people who are different because they learn new skills slowly. They are different in other ways as well. They have an intellectual disability, or ID. Intellectual disabilities happen in all cultures, races and countries. The goal of Special Olympics is to reach out to nearly 200 million people in the world with ID. Our 5 million Special Olympics athletes—ages 8 years old and up—come from over 200 Programs. We also have a Young Athletes program for children ages 2 to 7. At any age and in every country, our athletes are learning new skills, making new friends and gaining fitness and confidence.

Special Olympics trainings and competitions happen 365 days a year in our 10 Subprograms (Provinces).

We offer 9 Olympic-style summer sports. So whatever your age or skill level, Special Olympics has something for you. Many athletes start in one sport, then go on to try others.

Through sports, our athletes are seeing themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Their world is open with acceptance and understanding. They become confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They are also making new friends, as part of the most inclusive community on the planet global community that is growing every day.

Through sports training and competitions, Special Olympics helps people with ID find joy, acceptance and success. As their lives open, athletes gain the confidence that comes with achievement. They feel empowered. They are ready to take on new leadership challenges to make use of their new abilities. They can become mentors for other athletes. They can train to become coaches and officials. They can also move toward a more public role as a speaker or spokesperson. They can speak to audiences and journalists about the positive changes that Special Olympics helped bring about in their lives. At Special Olympics, our athletes are empowered to share their many gifts and talents with society.

Yet, it's more than that. Our athletes also become empowered to be leaders in society—and teach us all about acceptance and understanding.