The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports movement for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Special Olympics is represented worldwide with 5.2 million athletes in 174 countries.

The Special Olympics were founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a sister of John F. Kennedy, who spent her life campaigning for more rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. The highlight is the Special Olympics World Games every two years. The organization supports people with intellectual disabilities worldwide through health, education and qualification programmes.

Special Olympics Germany (SOD) is the German organization of this movement and pursues clearly formulated strategic goals with regard to inclusion. It is a sought-after partner in the social discussion and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The aim of Special Olympics is to help people with intellectual disabilities gain more recognition, self-confidence and ultimately more participation in society through sport. More than 40,000 athletes belong to Special Olympics Germany (SOD). Of these, 356 athletes will be competing in 23 sports at the World Games in June 2023. And we will be there up close.

Special Olympics - more than just sport

Unified Sports® is a practical example of inclusion. In unified teams, people with and without disabilities play sport together, train and take part in competitions, learn from each other and at the same time break down barriers and boundaries in their everyday interactions.

The measures are particularly important for people with intellectual disabilities, as they have a higher risk of additional health restrictions and are in poorer health in many areas.

The Healthy Athletes® health program is not only aimed at improving athletic performance. It helps athletes to independently assess and communicate their state of health and to better recognize health risks. The aim is to increase the health awareness of people with intellectual disabilities and improve barrier-free access to healthcare.

The Special Olympics Germany Academy is the competence center for the areas of education and science. It offers a nationwide network of numerous experts from sports clubs and schools, disability support facilities and universities. This expertise is used to promote opportunities for participation in and through sport for people with intellectual disabilities with the help of the areas of education and science, but also beyond this, and to implement them in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and under the central aspect of self-determination.