Special Olympics
Vision
It is our vision to become the premier provider of Special Olympics training and competition in the world. We approach each endeavor with a single intent - to improve the quality of life for our athletes. The challenges of the future are embraced with enthusiasm and commitment, ensuring that the changing face and needs of our athletes are met.
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.
Participants
Special Olympics Texas is divided into four regions with 19 area offices. Athletes may begin training as early as six years old, but must be eight years old to compete. Athletes must be 12 years old to attend statewide competitions. Thanks to the Young Athletes Program (YAP), which launched in 2005, children ages two through seven can participate as an “Athlete in Training” in areas where the program is available.
Competition
Special Olympics Texas is a year-round movement, holding more than 300 competitions annually on area, regional and state levels. Event divisions are based on age, gender and ability level to give athletes an equal chance to win. Each participant receives a medal or ribbon following their events.
Special Olympics Texas has six statewide events annually: Summer Games, Equestrian, Sailing/Kayaking, Fall Classic, Winter Games and Flag Football. Statewide competition locations vary approximately every three years.
Special Olympics, Inc. holds World Games every other year and USA National Games every four years.
Sports
Summer
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Gymnastics
- Kayaking
- Soccer
- Tennis
Fall
- Aquatics
- Bocce
- Flag Football
- Golf
- Sailing
- Softball
- Triathlon
Winter
- Bowling
- Figure Skating
- Powerlifting
- Roller Skating
- Speed Skating
- Table Tennis
- Volleyball
Training
Special Olympics Texas athletes must train for a minimum of eight weeks prior to each competition. Volunteer coaches, who are required to first complete a certification program and attend seasonal training schools, are responsible for training the athletes. Competition officials and event directors are also required to attend training schools.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeline of the Special Olympics program. These volunteers serve as coaches, officials, committee members, competition assistants, speech coaches and much more. There are more than 4,051 volunteer coaches involved in the program.
Funding
Special Olympics Texas is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization supported by private donations from individuals, corporations and organizations throughout the state. Special Olympics is “the most credible charity in America” according to a survey in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
For More Information
Call us at 1.800.876.5646 or contact your local area office. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and “Like” our statewide and area pages on Facebook.