Our Mission

The Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Our Goal

Our goal is for all persons with intellectual disabilities to have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their communities.

Growth

The growth of the program has been phenomenal. It began in 1968 with a national meet for 1,000 children, co-sponsored by the Kennedy Foundation and the Chicago Park District. Special Olympics began in San Diego in 1969. Over the years the program has grown in size and number. Today over 1,000 athletes are involved with the local Special Olympics program in San Diego County, and over one million persons are involved in Special Olympics throughout the world.

For more information about our program, donations, or volunteering, please call the Special Olympics office at (619) 283-6100.