About Us

The concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities. From the experience it was clear that people with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities that even many experts believed. Today more than one million children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics programs worldwide. For thirty-eight years, Special Olympics DC has provided sports training for citizens with intellectual disabilities. Athletic competition provides our athletes with increased confidence and self-esteem and allows them to demonstrate courage and experience the joy of sport. The competitive fire that burns inside each of our athletes is visible in the thousands of Olympic-style competitions held across the globe each year. The look on their faces at the finish line is truly priceless. Here at Special Olympics DC, we say our athletes Inspire Greatness.Consider this: after thirty-eight years of growth, there are now 2,000 Special Olympics athletes in the District of Columbia. But the stark reality is that there are more than 15,000 people in the Nation’s Capital with intellectual disabilities who could benefit from Special Olympics Programs. There are many ways to get involved with Special Olympics DC. Make a donation, volunteer at one of our Olympic-style competitions or develop a fundraiser in your own neighborhood. Every contribution helps us expand our programs so that every citizen with a intellectual disability can benefit from our confidence-boosting programs. Please browse through the website for information on our sports programs and competitions, special events and how to get involved. Thank you for visiting the website of Special Olympics District of Columbia!