Top Five Facts

1. Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition in 23 Olympic-type sports, not just a once-a-year track and field event. An athlete must train for a minimum of eight weeks prior to competing.
2. Special Olympics is for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes of all ability levels train and compete, and fair competition is ensured by using a unique divisioning system based on age, gender, and ability.
3. Special Olympics is for individuals with intellectual disabilities who may or may not have a physical handicap.
4. Special Olympics is not funded by the U.S. government, state governments, or the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. It operates at all levels using funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, special events, and grants.
5. Special Olympics is the world's largest amateur sports organization, with nearly one million athletes and 250,000 coaches in 140 countries. There are no training fees of any kind for the athletes or their families; coaches and officials volunteer their time; and no entrance fee is charged to attend any event.