Special Olympics was started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 as a way to provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to play and feel included.

Today, her vision has become a global movement with more than 5.7 million athletes competing in 200 countries and jurisdictions.

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment—on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.