SPECIAL OLYMPICS

In 1968, Special Olympics invited the world to let go of limiting views, prejudices and misconceptions about people with intellectual disabilities and embrace the idea that they can be respected, valued, contributing members of society. Today, the Special Olympics movement includes more than
1 million athletes who train and compete in 26 sports through more than 200 Programs in more than 150 countries around the world. Despite that growth, the Special Olympics movement touches less than 1 percent of the estimated 170 million people around the world with intellectual disabilities.

Thierry Dozot, Special Olympics Belgium athlete, in training with his coach, Johan Aerts, prior to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland. [Photo by Barry Cronin, IRELAND OUT]

Special Olympics is committed to doubling the number of athletes in the movement to 2 million by 2005. There is no charge to Special Olympics athletes to participate in the movement. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.

Special Olympics has launched Invest in a Life, a Web site that invites people around the world to act to dramatically improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. With more than 170 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities waiting to discover their potential, Invest in a Life asks the question: Do you have it within yourself to provide that opportunity?

Special Olympics would not exist today — and could not have been created — without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of the more than 500,000 Special Olympics volunteers. Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience.

Our volunteer pool is dedicated and diverse. Volunteers include: civic and fraternal groups, high school and college students, amateur and professional athletes, corporate employees, sports officials, coaches, teachers, parents and retired persons.

The Kingsport Lions Club is proud to be counted among those in our community who volunteer to help these brave and talented athletes find success and great joy through participating in the Special Olympics.