Special Olympics Italia

Special Olympics is a global movement that, through unified sports, is creating a new world of inclusion and respect, where every individual is accepted and welcomed, regardless of their ability or disability. The Special Olympics Athlete Oath is: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Special Olympics is an international program of training and athletic competitions for people with and without intellectual disabilities. It is recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee), and its programs are implemented in 207 countries with 256 accredited programs. Worldwide, there are 4,238,388 athletes with and without intellectual disabilities involved, 777,670 volunteers, and 366,978 coaches, with over 53,700 competitions held every year.

In Italy, Special Olympics is recognized as a Meritorious Association by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP). It has been active since 1983 and operates in all regions through Special Olympics Teams. The Italian movement consists of 12,059 athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, 4,051 family members, 4,269 volunteers, 2,893 coaches, 1,513 managers, and organizes more than 270 competitions in Italy each year.

We are helping make the world a better, healthier, and more joyful place – one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.