About Us

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

Special Olympics D.C. is a non profit organization providing quality sports and fitness opportunities for citizens with intellectual disabilities in the District of Columbia. These programs enable participants to challenge themselves, lead healthier lives, experience success, and receive positive reinforcement for their efforts.

All programs offered to Special Olympics athletes are always free of charge. Special Olympics D.C. ensures a high quality athlete experience is achieved by providing everything from equipment and uniforms to trained volunteer coaches and officials to excellent facilities.

Transcending boundaries of gender, race, religion, and financial status, Special Olympics D.C. reaches out to serve all citizens with intellectual disabilities, who are traditionally an overlooked and underserved segment of our community. With thousands of Special Olympics athletes, Unified Sports® partners, volunteers, families, donors, and supporters, the programs of Special Olympics D.C. touch one of every five families in our city.

The athletes who participate in Special Olympics D.C. come from public schools, special education centers, group homes, agencies, and associations serving individuals with intellectual disabilities in some of the most economically-challenged neighborhoods. Research studies show that participation in Special Olympics improves a person’s quality of life, provides measurable health-related benefits, and develops life skills that directly affect academic and employment achievement, as well as increase self-esteem and self-concept.

Sports programs are available for participants of all ability levels, and are designed to challenge athletes in a safe and supportive environment in which they achieve success and experience joy and fulfillment.

Sports Training and Competition Opportunities Offered By Special Olympics D.C.

Fall

  • Basketball – Youth Team Competition
  • Basketball – Youth Individual Skills
  • Basketball – Youth Motor Activities Training Program
  • Golf
  • Tennis – Individual Skills
  • Unified Bocce - Adults

Culminating Event: Special Olympics D.C. Fall Sports Classic

Winter

  • Basketball – Adult Individual Skills and Motor Activities Training Program
  • Bowling
  • Speed Skating
  • Unified Basketball - Adults
  • Unified Bowling – Adults

Culminating Event: Special Olympics D.C. Winter Sports Classic

Spring

  • Aquatics (Swimming)
  • Bocce
  • Motor Activities Training Program
  • Soccer – Youth Team Competition
  • Soccer – Youth Unified Team Competition
  • Soccer – Youth Individual Skills
  • Tennis – Singles and Doubles Match Play
  • Track and Field
  • Unified Volleyball - Adults
  • Volleyball – Youth Team Competition

Culminating Event: Special Olympics D.C. Summer Games