Causes: Special Olympics, Sports

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.

Results: SOPA now trains nearly 20,000 athletes who participate in 21 Olympic-type sports and three emerging sports at more than 260 local, sectional, and state level competitions.

Target demographics: Children and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Direct beneficiaries per year: Nearly 20,000 Special Olympics PA Athletes

Geographic areas served: State of Pennsylvania - 65 counties

Programs: Although the main vehicle of support for athletes is through sports competitions, Special Olympics offers additional programs and services such as Athlete Leadership Programs, Local and State Competitions, Healthy Athletes, Interscholastic and Traditional Unified Sports, Young Athletes, and Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) to ensure the athletes are receiving the full benefits of their participation.