The Special Olympics: Where Everyone is a Winner

The Special Olympics provides exceptional athletes a chance to participate in a team or individual sport with competitors who face some of the same obstacles in everyday life as themselves. Its purpose is to help people with intellectual disabilities train and compete in athletic events, both domestically and internationally. Just like the "regular" Olympics, athletes in the Special Olympics compete in various areas of sport like basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and swimming; to name a few.

In addition to international locations and branches, there are state chapters of the Special Olympics, and in some cases, regional or metropolitan branches. Many of these local outlets work with community students in a school-based setting, and through the efforts of volunteers and financial donations, provide a showcase for a child's physical and internal strengths. Volunteers are welcomed from all specialties such as military personnel, medical professionals, and others who can donate their times. Commitments are the choice of the giver too, as some volunteers choose to work one time while others work as often as possible. Coaching opportunities for those that are interested may be available in a given sport and require going education and certification from the Special Olympics. Refer to their website to direct you to a local office for more information.

While online financial donations are welcomed, for those that are short on time and may not have the financial means to help right now, there is another way to help the Special Olympics. Gifts of airline frequent flyer miles are welcomed from the following airlines: Delta, Northwest, and United Airlines. Information on how to donate frequent flyer miles can be found on the Special Olympics' website. If you haven't investigated a Special Olympics in your community lately; please do so. It is a great way to help an athlete build independence, freedom and inner-confidence; while providing a rewarding experience for a volunteer or financial contributor.