| Special Olympics International has a goal of serving 200 million people around the world who have intellectual disabilities (ID). Despite working in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics works in relative obscurity for an organization of its size and scope. Many people access Special Olympics through the sporting events it organizes, but there are more facets to the movement's advocacy and activity. Special Olympics provides health screenings in an attempt to address the gap in health outcomes between people with ID and the general population. Special Olympics is partnering with schools to reach younger potential athletes and spokespeople. These youth leaders will hopefully work to foster a more inclusive environment in their schools and communities. Adapted physical therapy and an emphasis on Unified Sports, where people with and without ID play as teammates, are other avenues for this school outreach. Adult Special Olympics athletes are also interviewed to explore what competition means for them and how Special Olympics has improved their lives on and off the field. |
