At Special Olympics Florida, our goal is to bring understanding and acceptance to every part of our state, every day of the week.
Different Abilities, Not Disabilities
Attitudes and perceptions matter -- because they affect how people treat each other. Do they treat each other with respect and dignity? Or do they cling to misperceptions and stereotypes?
Special Olympics is raising awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, we showcase the skills and dignity of our athletes. We also bring together communities to see and take part in the transformative power of sports.
We know the odds our athletes must overcome and the barriers they face every single day. We see this at training events and competitions as our athletes push to beat their personal bests -- and exceed them. Their stories and successes inspire us all.
We believe in a world where there are millions of different abilities, not disabilities. And we're spreading this message everywhere we go.
Sports can also change attitudes by bringing people together -- regardless of ability or disability -- in a very special way. A typical Unified Sports® game unites people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
Important Work Ahead
Our mission is an urgent mission. That’s because people with intellectual disabilities are among the most vulnerable in the world. They are often ignored, neglected and excluded from schools and society. Special Olympics may be the only place where people with intellectual disabilities get the chance to become part of their communities and develop belief in themselves.
Our programs open a gateway for our athletes to achieve empowerment and acceptance. There are thousands more athletes we hope to reach -- and thousands more lives we are working to change for the better.
