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.
Our
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.
