Special Olympics, A Global Movement
With sports at the core, Special Olympics is a leader in the field of intellectual disability and the largest amateur sports federation, making incredible strides in the areas of health, education, family support, research and policy change in over 180 countries worldwide. Today, Special Olympics globally has more than 3.5 million athletes More than 200 Special Olympics Programs in more than 180 countries 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports More than 700,000 volunteers More than 500,000 coaches Nearly 25,000 competitions around the world each year. |
Special Olymics South Africa
Special Olympics South Africa was founded and accredited by Special Olympics, Inc., in 1991 and after 14 years of operation a new Board of Directors led by Dr Mathews Phosa spearheaded the growth and awareness of
Special Olympics South Africa. Today, Special Olympics South Africa reaches more than 32,000 athletes across
9 province and offers training in 13 official sports with more than 730 competition opportunities each year.
Special Olympics Mission
To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
History and Leadership
The global Special Olympics movement started on 20 July 1968, when the First International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, USA. But the concept of Special
Olympics was born much earlier, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities at her home in 1962.
Timothy P. Shriver serves as the Chairman of Special Olympics, Inc. and in that capacity he serves more than 3.5 million Special Olympics athletes and their families in more than 180 countries. He has helped transform Special Olympics into a movement that focuses on acceptance, inclusion, and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities in all corners of the globe.
History and Leadership
The global Special Olympics movement started on 20 July 1968, when the First International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, USA. But the concept of Special
Olympics was born much earlier, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities at her home in 1962.
Timothy P. Shriver serves as the Chairman of Special Olympics, Inc. and in that capacity he serves more than 3.5 million Special Olympics athletes and their families in more than 180 countries. He has helped transform Special Olympics into a movement that focuses on acceptance, inclusion, and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities in all corners of the globe.
Affiliation
Special Olympics South Africa is an affiliated member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) through the Sport for the Intellectually Impaired South Africa structure.