Special Olympics in the world and in Poland

Special Olympics Inc. is an international sports organisation established in the 1960’s in the United States on the initiative of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, President Kennedy’s sister.

During the 40 years of its operation, the Special Olympics movement encompassed 180 countries, almost 3 million athletes and almost twice as many coaches, activists, volunteers and members of society. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round training and organise athletic competitions in a variety of sport disciplines for children and adults with intellectual disabilities..

The idea of Special Olympics is that, with appropriate motivation and guidance, each person with intellectual disabilities can train, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team competitions.

This activity contributes to developing physical fitness of people with intellectual disabilities, provides them with opportunities to demonstrate courage, experience joy and share their talents, skills and friendship with their parents, other competitors and local society.