What is the Special Olympics Mission?
The Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sports training and 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.
The Special Olympics movement was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who believed that people with intellectual disabilities should have the opportunity to participate in sports and be celebrated for their abilities, not their disabilities. Since then, the Special Olympics has grown to become the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with more than 4.9 million athletes in over 170 countries.
Core Values of the Special Olympics Mission
The Special Olympics mission is guided by a set of core values that emphasize the importance of respect, acceptance, and empowerment for all athletes. These values include:
1. Inclusion: Promoting the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of society, including sports, education, and employment.
2. Dignity: Recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
3. Empowerment: Empowering athletes to achieve their full potential through sports and personal growth.
4. Hope: Inspiring hope and changing attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports.
5. Joy: Celebrating the joy of sports and the spirit of competition that unites athletes and communities.
Programs and Events
The Special Olympics offers a wide range of programs and events to support its mission. These include:
1. Training: Special Olympics provides year-round sports training for athletes, helping them improve their skills and fitness levels.
2. Competitions: Athletes have the opportunity to compete in local, national, and international competitions, showcasing their abilities and achievements.
3. Unified Sports: Unified Sports is a program that combines athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, promoting inclusion and friendship.
4. Community Outreach: Special Olympics engages communities through events, advocacy, and awareness campaigns to promote understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
Impact of the Special Olympics Mission
The Special Olympics mission has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of athletes, their families, and communities around the world. Some of the key impacts include:
1. Improved Health and Fitness: Athletes who participate in Special Olympics programs often experience improved physical fitness, health, and well-being.
2. Increased Self-Esteem: The experience of competing and achieving goals can significantly boost athletes’ self-esteem and confidence.
3. Community Engagement: Special Olympics events and programs bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.
4. Advocacy and Awareness: The Special Olympics movement has raised awareness about the capabilities and potential of people with intellectual disabilities, leading to greater acceptance and inclusion in society.
In conclusion, the Special Olympics mission is to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and be celebrated for their abilities. Through its programs and events, the Special Olympics has transformed countless lives, promoting inclusion, dignity, and joy for all.
