At Person Centered Services, we strive to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of life, but we can’t do it alone. We are incredibly thankful for all of the other organizations that make it possible for our students to grow and thrive. The Special Olympics provides a valuable gift, not only to individuals with I/DD, but to the entire community, bringing people of all abilities together to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in athletics and in life.

Support inclusion for adults and children with I/DD in Northern California.

What is the Special Olympics?

Since 1968, Special Olympics has been a household name harnessing the power of sports to help individuals with I/DD to learn skills, gain confidence, and show the world who they are from the inside out. Like PCS, the mission of Special Olympics focuses on abilities rather than limitations. Through athletic training and sports competitions, Special Olympics rallies communities behind adults and children with I/DD, building connections and helping participants to find their place in the world.

Special Olympics Athletes and I/DD

As many as 200 million people worldwide live with an intellectual disability (ID) that limits cognitive functioning and skills. From the Young Athletes program for children ages 2 to 7, to the competitive training programs for athletes ages 8 and up, Special Olympics gives PCS students a chance to learn new skills, make friends and have fun in an inclusive and accepting environment. Since I/DD affects people from all walks of life, Special Olympics programming celebrates diversity of abilities, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background, bringing athletes together rather than isolating them.

What disabilities qualify for the Special Olympics?

Special Olympics events are free and open to any athlete over the age of 8 that has been identified by an agency or professional as having any intellectual disability, cognitive delay, or significant learning or vocational programs that require special instruction, such as:

• Fragile X Syndrome
• Down Syndrome
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Prader-Willi
• Williams Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Certain physical disabilities

The Impact of Special Olympics

Through partnerships with over 1200 international sports organizations, Special Olympics provides year-round services and advocacy for individuals with I/DD and their families that goes far beyond sports competitions. The confidence and skills our PCS students gain through Special Olympics programming help them to:

• Find meaningful employment 
• Social with people in the community both with and without I/DD
• Excel in school and learn new skills
• Learn necessary life skills to live independently in the community

Empowering Athletes with Disabilities

The mission of Special Olympics has remained unchanged for the last 50-plus years. By focusing on what athletes CAN do rather than their limitations, participants and their communities are able to see the limitless talents of individuals with I/DD. These successes are not limited to the sports field: Special Olympics athletes excel in school, work, and social situations through the skills and confidence they gain in athletic training. 

Inclusive Sports in Special Olympics

Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions annually to more than 4 millions athletes worldwide. Events and competitions promote inclusivity through the Unified Sports initiative, allowing individuals with and without I/DD to compete together on the same field.

PCS athletes are given the opportunity to compete in tournaments throughout Northern California in many types of sports such as:

• Basketball
• Tennis 
• Golf
• Volleyball
• Triathlon
• Swimming
• Football 
• Gymnastics 
• And many more..

Success Stories from Special Olympics

The success of Special Olympics goes beyond our athletes with I/DD. All community partners, volunteers, coaches, and family members experience a myriad of benefits that result from the opportunity to celebrate differences and focus on abilities. Special Olympics athletes teach as much as they learn, spreading awareness and fostering acceptance of children and adults with I/DD in our Northern California communities and throughout the world.

Getting Involved with Special Olympics

You don’t have to have an I/DD to be involved with Special Olympics. At the core of the organization’s mission is the concept of community acceptance, involvement, and inclusivity. Volunteering with Special Olympics is both easy and rewarding. Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of Special Olympics programming, including:

• Coaching
• Training 
• Fundraising
• Administrative and office support
• Advocacy
• Companionship
• And more…

Contact the Special Olympics office near you to volunteer in your community.

Support PCS athletes at upcoming Special Olympics events in Northern California.

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