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Get Involved

Families

Families Lead
Family Logo

Families are the number one fans of our Special Olympics athletes. They offer a unique type of support, love and encouragement that no one else can. Special Olympics is a support network that brings families together in a caring, positive way—and that makes the cheers for our athletes even louder!

Among Friends

At Special Olympics competitions and events, family members are among friends—and feel at home. They watch with pride as their athlete finds success and joy.

A mother in Great Britain says families are part of the team—working together to make it all happen. "Everyone in the programme accepts each other without question. Everyone works as a team supporting each other." She says her son has made great strides since joining Special Olympics. "I know this has meant a great deal to him and, as a mum, to watch Jamie achieve and believe in himself is just wonderful."

Building Communities

Families are an essential link to the community and wider support for our movement. To learn more about different volunteer and leadership opportunities available to Special Olympics families, please reach out to your local Special Olympics program.

For every family member who gets involved, Special Olympics has a reason to celebrate!

Global Family Leadership Council

Amal Khafaoui

Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa - Sibling

Gang PENG

Special Olympics East Asia - Parent

Wendy Trotter

Special Olympics North America - Parent

Pelotlhomogi Rantseo

Special Olympics Africa - Parent

Vaiva Abramaviciute de Silva

Special Olympics Europe Eurasia - Caregiver

Claudia Peña Testa

Special Olympics Latin America - Parent

Nauman Mehboob

Special Olympics Asia Pacific - Parent

Recent Articles about Families

Trying to Rebound after COVID-19

One Special Olympics club in Kenya struggles to increase athlete and coach participation to pre-Covid levels two years after the end of the lockdown.
3 Min Read

Agents Of Inclusion: Episode Thirty-Five

JR sits down with Albert Dorsey and Demetric Desue from Special Olympics to hear about their journey as Special Olympics athletes, why the Inclusion Revolution is so important, how they have continued to help out behind the scenes of Special Olympics, and more!

Families & Siblings Event in Ethiopia

Special Olympics Ethiopia held its first-ever Families & Siblings workshop which attracted an overwhelming turnout of over 60 parents and siblings of people with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read