Mission - Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round athletic training and competition in 22 Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and provides them with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness skills, express courage, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Athletes - More than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities participate in over 260 local, sectional and state events. Athletes range in age from 8 to 80 and are of all ability levels.

Volunteers - Nearly 40,000 volunteers provided the manpower for Special Olympics Pennsylvania last year. Volunteers of all ages serve as coaches, escorts, organizers, fund-raisers, entertainers, or sports officials. Volunteers are always needed!

Competitions - Special Olympics Pennsylvania competitions are offered year-round in 56 local programs across Pennsylvania. Special Olympics Pennsylvania conducts four statewide competitions -- Fall Festival, Summer Games, Winter Games and State Floor Hockey Tournament.

Sports - Special Olympics Pennsylvania offers training and competition in the following events:

Benefits - A 1995 study by Yale University confirmed that Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social and psychological development of people with intellectual disabilities. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image that carries over into the classroom, the home, the job, and the community.

Funding - Special Olympics Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that raises the funds through the generosity of individuals, companies, and foundations.