As Founder and Honorary Chairperson of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver (second from right) has always advocated supporting Special Olympics Families, one of several Special Olympics initiatives; she is pictured at a reception for family members at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Special Olympics is committed to empowering people with intellectual disabilities on and off the playing field. By working to remove obstacles, change attitudes and open minds, Special Olympics provides opportunities for its athletes to demonstrate courage, experience joy and share their gifts, skills and friendship with the world. Special Olympics initiatives change lives:     • Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered “non-traditional.” Through ALPs, athletes serve on Boards of Directors or local organizing committees. Athletes excel as spokespersons (Sargent Shriver Global Messengers are part of Special Olympics ALPs), team captains, coaches and officials. As an integral component of Special Olympics' dedication to empowerment and dignity, ALPs initiatives provide new opportunities for athletes and benefit the movement as a whole.     • Special Olympics offers families not just opportunities for sports, social interaction and fun, but also a much-needed support system. See Special Olympics Families for more information on how Special Olympics can provide support and opportunities for sharing of challenges and accomplishments among family members.     • Young Athletes™, an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, introduces them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8.     • The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® initiative's mission is to improve each athlete's ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. Healthy Athletes includes several disciplines: Fit Feet, FUNfitness, Health Promotion, Healthy Hearing, Opening Eyes® and Special Smiles®, as well as MedFest, a program that facilitates the required standard sports physical examination for current and prospective Special Olympics athletes.     • Special Olympics has emerged as a global leader in cutting-edge research and evaluation activities. With current, fact-based, externally validated research findings, Special Olympics has an opportunity to enhance the overall lives of people with intellectual disabilities. In a related area, Special Olympics is pleased to announce a new grant opportunity for health professions students to promote short-term projects; see the Research section of this Web site to learn more.     • The Schools & Youth initiative encourages school-age youth to celebrate differences and break down barriers. Its efforts, such as SO Get Into It® and Youth Summits, involve school-age youth in a variety of activities centered on Special Olympics, including participation in Special Olympics sports and events that will enable them to play a positive role in their schools and communities.     • The Law Enforcement Torch Run® raises funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Law enforcement officers from 35 countries carry the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" in honor of the Special Olympics athletes. Visit the "Support" section of this Web site to learn more about the Law Enforcement Torch Run.     • The Protective Behaviors training material is a critical tool for protecting Special Olympics athletes from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. The Protective Behaviors training is required of all Class A Volunteers (Class A Volunteers as defined in the Special Olympics US Volunteer Screening Policy) and staff members. Contact your local Special Olympics Program to learn more about these initiatives in your area. To locate a Program near you, use our Program Locator.