Special Olympics: 5 facts you might not know

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, and the Special Olympics — the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities — serves nearly 5 million athletes worldwide and offers year-round programs, competitions and health services.

Special Olympics provides sports training, competitions and year-round health services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization has supported inclusion for decades and connects to World Down Syndrome Day, observed on March 21. As of 2024 it operates globally and runs programs across the United States. The movement began with "Camp Shriver" in 1962 and has since expanded to offer athletic, educational and health opportunities. Key facts: - The organization serves nearly 5 million Special Olympics athletes and was active in 177 countries as of 2024, with programs in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. - More than 30 Olympic-style sports are offered, and the Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter; anyone over age 8 with intellectual disabilities is eligible to compete. - In 2022 there were about 46,000 Special Olympics sports competitions (an average of 126 per day), including roughly 16,000 Unified competitions where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together. - The Unified Champion Schools program is active in nearly 11,000 U.S. schools and engages many young people through teams, clubs and leadership activities; the program reports participation reaching millions of students. - Since 1997 the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program has provided free health screenings, has conducted more than 2 million screenings and has trained about 300,000 health care professionals. - The movement began in 1962 with Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Camp Shriver; Timothy Shriver has led the organization in recent decades and was recognized with the University of Notre Dame's 2026 Laetare Medal. Summary: Special Olympics reaches millions worldwide and combines athletic competition with health services and inclusive school programs, creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to compete and connect. Undetermined at this time.