Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization* dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. (*Special Olympics is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).) Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. Special Olympics currently serves 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in over 180 countries. Today, Special Olympics stands as a leader in the field of intellectual disability. It is a truly global movement, with more than 500,000 athletes in China, more than 210,000 in India, almost 550,000 in the United States, more than 600 in Afghanistan and 4,400 athletes in Rwanda. Special Olympics World Games were held in Ireland in 2003, in Japan in 2005 and in China in 2007. Most importantly, Special Olympics sharpened the focus on its mission as not just "nice," but critical, not just as a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, but also as an effective catalyst for social change. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices" as well. To get involved, contact your local Special Olympics Program. To locate a Program near you, use our Program Locator. Related Links Special Olympics Milestones Special Olympics General Rules Special Olympics Reach Reports (athlete census and participation) 2007 2006 Financial Records 2006-2007 Audited Financials (Adobe PDF document, 400K) 2005-2006 Audited Financials (Adobe PDF document, 2.2M) 2004-2005 Audited Financials (Adobe PDF document, 657K) IRS Form 990 2007 IRS Form 990 (Adobe PDF document, 3.4M) 2006 IRS Form 990 (Adobe PDF document, 2.1M) 2005 IRS Form 990 (Adobe PDF document, 6.7M) Knowledge Management System (KMS)      The Special Olympics Knowledge Management System (KMS) provides information, tools and resources for participants in the movement.