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All Slideshows

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Special Olympics has an incredible 40-year history of international work in sport and community. See the slideshows below to learn about important aspects of the movement.

Around The World

A roundup of great photos from the events Special Olympics runs around the world, every week of the year.

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2009 World Winter Games

For one amazing week, more than 2,000 athletes from around the world inspired and amazed thousands of spectators, friends and family at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho.

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Messengers for Change

Global Ambassadors make a tremendous impact in exposure and awareness for our movement but using their influence to help create a more accepting world.

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Eunice Kennedy Shriver Fellowship Program

The Fellowship serves as a powerful mechanism for creating a cadre of professionals to lead Special Olympics programs in developing nations.

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Empowering Change

Corporate support makes real and tangible change for millions of athletes while offering new global marketing opportunities at the grass-roots level.

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Youth and Schools

By engaging youth through social outreach and educating youth through tailored curriculum, Special Olympics is building communities of acceptance for all.

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Africa

Once isolated and neglected, Africa is now thriving through growth initiatives, support of leaders like Nelson Mandela, Desmond and Leah Tutu, and new corporate partnerships.

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A Very Special Christmas

Special Olympics changes lives thanks to the generosity and dedication of those who create and purchase these holiday music albums. 

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China

With over 25 years of growth, China has limitless potential to serve as an example of the capacity for acceptance within each of us.

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Healthy Athletes

Providing basic health screenings for people with intellectual disabilities, the Healthy Athletes® initiative has opened new doors for health care previously neglected.

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Impact of Special Olympics

Special Olympics impacts the world by shattering myths with the unifying power of sport and has grown into a movement not about "them," but about all of "us."

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Follow the Flame

The Global Law Enforcement Torch Run ended its three-month, 37,000-mile journey at the Opening Ceremony of the 2009 World Winter

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Best in Sports

Through sport and sports training, families are strengthened and the community at large is united as a place of acceptance and dignity.

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Volunteers

Our volunteers get as much as they give as our athletes’ enthusiasm and determination changes attitudes, and creates new ways to look at others and to live life.

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Looking Back: 2007 World Summer Games

The most recent Special Olympics World Games was the 2007 Summer Games in Shanghai, China.

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The Lynch Foundation

Longtime Special Olympics supporters, Carolyn and Peter Lynch, helped fill a void felt by many parents when they launched a Young Athletes pilot program in collaboration with Special Olympics Massachusetts.

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Safeway Partnership

On 2 April 2009, Safeway launched its annual promotion to raise funds and support people with disabilities. Funds raised through the promotion will benefit Special Olympics and Easter Seals.

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Special Olympics Athlete Profile: Mike Bailey

Mike is like any 28-year-old today with a crazy schedule, juggling his work, college studies and multiple sports. Yet there is something more you should know about him.

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Special Olympics gives birth to a new hero whenever a participant joins the movement.
Dr. Ismail Osman, Chairman, Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Advisory Council