Special Olympics Inc. is the world’s largest provider of fitness training, education, and athletic competition — coupled with social, life, and leadership skill development opportunities — for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is a worldwide movement of more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries. With competitions around the world, daily training sessions and family leaders, athlete leaders and volunteers extending our message every day, Special Olympics is no longer just an event. We are a movement, inviting the world not only to attend Games but to think, feel and act differently about everything.
What They DoSpecial Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 21 different sports for more than 26,000 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.
Anyone can get involved with one of the Special Olympics fundraising events:
*Polar Plunges (held yearly between January and March- all over the state)
*Cleveland Plane Pull (held in Summer)
*OR by simply clicking on the “Donate” button on SOOH.org
Our gift of $1,000 will send 5 athletes to Special Olympics Ohio’s State Summer Games in Columbus.
$500 provides Healthy Athletes screenings and follow-up care for one athlete’s vision, dental, hearing, and mental health. $100 outfits a Special Olympics athlete with the equipment and uniform they need to compete.
How You Can Help
Of course, Special Olympics appreciates the donation of talent and time as well! You can register as a volunteer on their website, by clicking HERE, to be connected with a local program in your area. They are always seeking new coaches, chaperones, and other volunteers to help out events held at the local, regional, and state levels.