Special Olympics was established to help bring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the larger society whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become productive citizens.

Description and/or History:
Special Olympics empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including mental retardation, autism and Down syndrome, through a variety of Olympic-style athletic trainings and competitions, healthcare screenings and leadership development opportunities slated year-round. Special Olympics New York serves more than 47,000 athletes and their families and trains hundreds of coaches and works with over 25,000 volunteers who conduct more than 400 trainings and competitions in 22 sports annually. New York City has the largest concentration of Special Olympics New York athletes - 28,000. Special Olympics New York does not charge athletes and their families to participate in any of the programs.

Transforming Lives
• Special Olympics provides an opportunity for athletes to showcase their broad range of abilities, resulting in improved self-esteem, increased social interactions and enhanced leadership skills. Special Olympics also provides a vehicle to bring persons without disabilities into contact with their peers. The benefits to this unique model of sharing and embracing differences include a change in attitudes and perceptions for everyone who gets involved.

Winning Spirit
• Special Olympics instills a sense of sportsmanship and goodwill among all who take part in the movement. Winning in Special Olympics is not just about “higher, faster, stronger” rather, it is about achieving one’s personal best. Before competition, athletes recite the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Volunteer Driven
• Special Olympics is one of the world’s largest volunteer organizations. The generosity and support of coaches, family members, corporate sponsors, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, celebrities, educators and other partners enable Special Olympics athletes to lead fuller lives both on and off the playing field.

Cost Free
• Neither the athletes nor their families pay to take part in any Special Olympics New York programs. Special Olympics New York operates on funds raised through corporate sponsorships, philanthropic institutions, individual donations, bequests, government grants and special events. Special Olympics New York does not receive financial support from Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation.

New Roles - Athlete Leadership
• Special Olympics has placed increased emphasis on its athletes’ ability to contribute to society. Through the Athlete Leadership Program, athletes serve on Special Olympics Board of Directors and other leadership committees. Athletes also work as certified sports officials, coach, mentor to newly enrolled athletes and serve as Global Messengers (Spokespersons) for the disabilities movement.

Many Abilities
• Special Olympics serves the needs of athletes of all ability levels, including those with more severe intellectual or closely related disabilities. During sporting events, athletes compete against those with similar abilities.

Special Olympics New York continues to grow and offer opportunities for the intellectually and developmentally disabled to lead full and independent lives. For forty years, Special Olympics has worked to advance the disabilities movement. Special Olympics New York is proud to earn its place as the largest Special Olympics program in all of North America and sixth largest program in the world. As a result of Special Olympics New York’s esteemed reputation, Special Olympics New York is portrayed as a pioneer and leader for Special Olympics programs throughout the country as well as the 185 countries Special Olympics is being offered.

Contact person: Sandra Toussaint-Burgher, Senior Director Of Development, (212) 661-5217, (email)

Address:

211 East 43rd Street, Suite 802 New York, NY 10017 (See a map)

Directions:

The 4,5,6, or 7 train to 42nd Street Grand Central Station.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 42nd Street Grand Central Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2   Nearest Bus Stop: M102, 1 minute walk