ABOUT US

Empowering Arizonans with intellectual disabilities

Special Olympics History

In 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver began a summer day camp at her home in Maryland for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  This camp was designed to allow these special individuals a chance to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities. The idea quickly took off, and in 1968 the first International Special Olympics took place at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, with 1,000 athletes from the US and Canada competing in Track & Field and Swimming. 

In 1975, the hard work and good will of Shriver's efforts reached Arizona.  The first Special Olympics Arizona competition consisted of a one-day Track & Field event with 100 athletes and 20 volunteers.  Today, Special Olympics Arizona offers 22 sports, 170 programs in 15 regional areas, and five statewide competitions for 9,100+ athletes, 1,300 Class A volunteers and 5,000 day-of-event volunteers on an annual basis.  We work so that we may realize founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver's vision:  to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities everywhere, and, in turn, transform the lives of everyone they touch - building a better, more accepting world for all of us.

Special Olympics Athletes

For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. For athletes, Special Olympics sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy.  The lessons learned in Special Olympics also impact their life skills. Sports training enhances focus and gives participants a structure for learning important lessons about perseverance, endurance and setting goals. Many people are surprised to know, more than half of adult Special Olympics athletes in the United States are employed, versus 10 percent of intellectually disabled persons who do not participate in Special Olympics. 

Special Olympics Arizona Goal

Special Olympics Arizona's (SOAZ) goal is to empower the over 180,000 Arizonans with intellectual disabilities to be healthy, productive, and respected members of society through SOAZ's year-round sports training, competitions and support programs.  

How You Can Help

What does Special Olympics Arizona need? 

• Donors to fund athletes' participation. 
• Volunteers to coach athletes and manage events. 
• Athletes to participate in traditional and unified sports programs. 

Why does Special Olympics Arizona need donors & sponsors? 

Special Olympics Arizona has grown to 9,100+ athletes, 24 sports, 172 year-round competitions and multiple support programs. All of SOAZ programs are provided at no cost to our 9,100+ athletes. Therefore we rely heavily on SOAZ sponsors to provide funding, in-kind donations, and volunteers. 

Want to get involved? 

• Visit our Donate Page to see the many ways you can help Special Olympics Arizona Athletes & Families.
• Visit our Volunteer Page to find a volunteer opportunity that's right for you.
• Visit our Athletes Page or our Coaches Section to find out how you can get more involved!

In addition, you can stay in tune with the current needs of Special Olympics Arizona by signing up for the monthly eNewsletter and joining SOAZ social networks. 

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