What is one of the primary objectives of the Special Olympics?

One of the primary objectives of the Special Olympics is to encourage participation and inclusion among individuals with intellectual disabilities. This organization emphasizes the importance of providing individuals with the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their skill level. The focus is not solely on competition but on fostering a sense of community, promoting self-esteem, and building friendships through sports.

The Special Olympics creates an inclusive environment where all athletes can engage, both in terms of participating in events and in being accepted and valued within society. This objective is central to the Special Olympics mission, which seeks to empower individuals through sport while promoting the ethos that everyone deserves the chance to take part in athletic activities.

In contrast, promoting elite athletic performance or focusing solely on competitive events does not align with the foundational mission of the Special Olympics, which is about broad participation and personal development. Training athletes specifically for the Paralympics also diverges from the Special Olympics goals, as the Paralympics and the Special Olympics serve different populations and missions within the sports and disability communities.