Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.
Mission Statement
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.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, inspired by her sister Rosemary, founded Camp Shriver in 1962 for children with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion through sports. This camp evolved into the first Special Olympics International Games in 1968 in Chicago, marking the beginning of an organization dedicated to continued inclusion.
The Games offer a profound experience for an inclusive Switzerland, where everyone has equal access to sport, education, health, and all aspects of life.