Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The concept was born in the early 1960s when Mrs. Shriver started a day camp for individuals who are developmentally/cognitively delayed. She saw that people who were developmentally/cognitively delayed were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought.

Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone 8 or older who has an intellectual disability can become a Special Olympics athlete. Athletes age 2-7 are eligible to participate in a Young Athletes® program.

Participation in Special Olympics training and competition is open to all persons with an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay or a closely related developmental disability who are at least 8 years old regardless of how mild or severe the person’s disability, and whether or not that person also has other mental or physical disabilities.