Special Olympics athletes are the heart of our movement. With over 30 Olympic-type sports, there is something for everyone. You can find a Special Olympics training or competition happening 365 days in more than 180 countries. Whatever your skill level and whatever your motivation for participating and competing, there is opportunity to excel and have fun.
Champions in the MakingOleksandr Khorunzhak from Ukraine has always been fond of basketball. But when he tried to play with the other children on the street they would make fun of him. Now after training with Special Olympics for two years he plays for the SO Ukraine basketball team and has won many medals.
In 2009 he had the opportunity to play in a FIBA Europe All Stars Game with the best players of the National Super League and his performance was shown on national TV. His team-mates, his family, his coach and his neighbours are proud of him.
Different Lands, a Common ConcernAnna Dimitrova of Bulgaria, Andrei Kosikhin of Kazahstan, and Rita Lawlor of Ireland are also Special Olympics athletes. They come from different countries and face different challenges in life. The one thing they all had in common before joining Special Olympics was that they were underestimated in their communities.
Today, they run, play football, compete in gymnastics and coach other Special Olympics athletes. They work and play alongside people without intellectual disabilities. They speak out to journalists, schools and civic groups about the remarkable changes Special Olympics helped bring about in their lives. They are valued leaders within the Special Olympics movement and valued members of their own communities outside of it. Their lives are fuller and more enriched thanks to Special Olympics.
All Are Welcome, All GrowSome Special Olympics athletes have physical challenges like Lin Kornhauser from Israel. Others, like Guy Wartikoski also from Israel compete alongside in international swimming galas. Though ability level varies, everyone is welcome, and all grow, building athletic skills and character traits that help both on and off the field of competition. Confidence, self-esteem, teamwork are just some of the benefits of involvement in sports. For many athletes, Special Olympics is a path to empowerment, competence, acceptance, joy and friendship.
How To Become an AthleteLook for your home country in our
Special Olympics Program Locator to find the office nearest you. Then call, email or drop by to see how to sign up.
What YOU Can Do
Whether you are an athlete looking to compete, a volunteer looking to make a difference, or you’re just looking to have fun and be a part of something — come be a part of Special Olympics, and experience your own story of transformation.