In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Special Olympics Kansas proudly joins the global community in highlighting the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. Since 1968, Special Olympics has used the power of sports to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, expanding into a global movement that breaks down barriers and changes attitudes.
The transformative power of sports to instill confidence, improve health, and inspire a sense of competition is at the core of what Special Olympics does. From advanced coaches’ education to high-quality expert officials present at competitions, the focus is on real sports, real competition, and real achievements. With more than 5,000 registered athletes, Special Olympics Kansas provides quality sports training and competition opportunities in over 20 sports.
For more than 55 years, Special Olympics has shown the world that sports build bridges. Skills learned through sports transfer to classrooms, workplaces, and communities.
Since 2008, Unified Champion Schools has strategically created sports, leadership, and whole school engagement opportunities for students. The result is a school environment that promotes inclusion and respect for all. More than 10,000 schools across the nation and over 100 in Kansas have Unified Champion Schools® programming. The Unified programming strategy encourages schools to create a culture of unity and respect through initiatives such as inclusive sports, clubs, and classroom activities. As many as 16 million young people are taking part in inclusive experiences through Special Olympics.
Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities lack equitable access to health services. Special Olympics creates a healthier world for individuals with intellectual disabilities through initiatives that reduce health disparities and work towards equitable access to quality health services for people with intellectual disabilities. In 2023, Special Olympics Kansas completed 1,065 health screenings, had 1,478 athletes participating in fitness, and trained 115 health care professionals and medical students on inclusive health practices.
Special Olympics Kansas programming drives personal and cultural change. Athletes build leadership skills, so they have the opportunity to become leaders within the movement, their communities, and ultimately, teachers of inclusion. More than 45 athlete leaders in Kansas show just how integral people with intellectual disabilities are to the community. Special Olympics Kansas athletes demonstrate leadership abilities as coaches, officials, volunteers, employees, and more.
Special Olympics will continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that celebrates their uniqueness.
