Special
Olympics is made up of passionate,
committed individuals from
every walk of life who recognize the
value and unique gifts of people with
intellectual disabilities. Who together,
share the common belief in
dignity,
equality and opportunity for ALL
people.Special Olympics is a global
nonprofit organization targeting the
nearly 200 million people round the world
who have intellectual disabilities.
With a presence in nearly 200 countries
worldwide
and seven world-region offices, we
are constantly expanding.
We can say with all truth that “the
sun never sets on the Special Olympics
movement.”
Every day, 365 days a year, our Board
members, global leadership, staff and
volunteers work to bring Special Olympics
to as many communities as possible.
Speaking hundreds of languages and coming
from diverse cultures and backgrounds,
the common thread tying us together is
our belief in people with intellectual
disabilities
and in Special Olympics: its unique
ability to envision and create a world
where every
person is celebrated and accepted—
all through the simple platform of sport.
In the decades since Eunice Kennedy
Shriver founded Special Olympics in
1968,
Special Olympics has been supported by a
who’s who of outstanding leaders in
the
fields of sports, education, business,
government and disability advocacy.
They serve on the International Board of
Directors, give financial and political
support, act as spokespeople, help build
awareness and establish connections
with important organizations and
reluctant governments.
International Board members include
President of Iceland Olafur Grimmson;
Olympic Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci;
pop singer and actress Vanessa Williams;
Coca Cola CEO Muhtar Kent; and First Lady
of Panama Vivian Fernández de Torrijos.
Under the Board’s guidance and the
guidance of Special Olympics leaders, our
global
family of grass-roots volunteers,
athletes, family and staff work
tirelessly to ensure a quality
sports experience for Special Olympics
athletes and an accepting community for
their families.
Every day, talented individuals in
offices around the world work to bring
our sports,
education and health programs to as many
places as possible.
We work so that we may realize founder
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s
vision:
To improve the lives of people with
intellectual disabilities everywhere and
in turn, transform the lives of everyone
they touch – building a better, more
accepting world for all of us. |
