When we train, it teaches us to dream.

When we struggle, it teaches us determination.

When we win, it teaches us joy.

And if we lose, sport teaches us

the will to try again.

Sport teaches us who we really are.

Who can benefit most from this lesson?

Those of us who are told most frequently

that we can’t.

Those of us who are labeled

most often by others.

Those of us who are judged most unfairly

and told that we are this or that.

Sport teaches people who they really are

and we teach people sport.

We’re Special Olympics.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968,

we provide millions of athletes

with intellectual disabilities

in more than 170 countries

the opportunity to experience

all the empowering benefits of sport,

with over 44,000 competitions a year

and World Games every two years.

And though it all starts with sports,

Special Olympics is much more.

We’re a network of families who share

information, understanding and support.

We’re Special Olympics Healthy Athletes,

the largest provider of free health services

for people with intellectual disabilities.

We’re volunteers and builders of communities,

reaching and helping people who would

otherwise be forgotten in some of the most

neglected areas of the world.

We’re bridge builders, helping to forge

relationships and acceptance

between our athletes and young people

without intellectual disabilities,

teaching them to become leaders

in their own right.

We’re champions and advocates for learning,

research and policy changes across the globe.

Most importantly, we’re also a catalyst

for social change.

Because once you see what our athletes

are capable of,

you start to lose your preconceptions.

So sport teaches people who they really are

and we teach people sports,

but in the end,

it’s really they who teach us all.

Special Olympics.

Be a fan.