How old are most the athletes that participate in Special Olympics Programs?

What is the most popular sport Special Olympics athletes participate in? 

There are 32 sports athletes can participate in at local, state, and international levels; however, only 3% compete globally. 

Basic Organizational Layout of Special Olympics

Most athletes (and parents) choose to participate in Special Olympics Programs for fun, enjoyment, various social aspects, and competition. Rather seemingly misleading, the response mentioned least often was joining for a more welcoming environment. 

What Motivates Athletes to Participate in Special Olympics? 

Most athletes reported leaving Special Olympics due to either system issues (i.e. graduation, work transitions, etc.) or changes in interests. 

What Motivates Athletes to Leave Special Olympics? 

A national study was conducted to compare the purpose and motivation for athletes with ID to participate in sports and specifically for joining and leaving Special Olympics Programs.  

University of Rochester

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation was established in 1946 and initially focused on societal views of intellectual disabilities and ways to prevent them. JPK initiated funding for research from a multitude of hospitals and a national plan was ratified. 

History of Intellectual Disabilities, Sports, and Special Olympics

Siperstein, Gary N., Coreen M. Harada, Robin C. Parker, Michael L. Hardman, and Jayne McGuire. *A Comprehensive National Study of Special Olympics Programs in the United States*. University of Utah. https://dotorg.brightspotcdn.com/3e/f3/b4424027433184f7fb3a6cfa6749/a-comprehensive-national-study-of-special-olympics-programs-in-the-united-states.pdf

National Study of Special Olympics in the U.S.

As one of the leaders at the forefront of ID advocacy, Shriver opened an athletic summer camp after the understanding and proven research that physical fitness for people with ID has immense benefits, including employment and other opportunities. 

Background on the Impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver

In conjunction with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and AAHPER, JPK Jr. Foundation creates physical education opportunities in schools, camps, and year-round programs for people with ID and eventually the first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Chicago in July of 1968. 

Establishment of National Fitness Plan for People with ID

During the 2000s, SpO became more world-renowned as more congressional meetings were held to work through cultural and language barriers. 

Special Olympics Growth in the 2000s 


Special Olympics continues to grow steadfastly and reach new heights such as creating opportunities for athletes to play with NBA and WNBA players, having more than 4 million athletes participating worldwide, and establishing various additional sponsors and donors (Walt Disney Company, ESPN). 

Special Olympics Growth in the 2010s

Although they both allow people with disabilities to participate and compete in athletics, paralympics is focused on elite sports and skills while Special Olympics is mainly focused on using the power of sport to unite people with intellectual disabilities and all athletes to promote de-stigmatization. 

Special Olympics vs. Paralympics

- Special Olympics World Games (1968) 
- Paralympic Games (1996)
- Global Games (2004) 
- Trisome Games (2016) 

The 4 Large-Scale International Multi-Sport Games

A combination of corporate, government and NGO partners and other various donors and family foundations have increased funding and expanded financial growth in order to continue focusing on inclusion efforts. 

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