Moose Lodge 2239 and Special Olympics

About

Who We Are

Special Olympics is made up of passionate, committed individuals from every walk of life, who recognize the value and unique gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. And who, together, share the common belief in dignity, equality and opportunity for ALL people.

United in Sport

Special Olympics is a global nonprofit organization targeting the nearly 200 million people round the world who have intellectual disabilities. With a presence in nearly 200 countries worldwide and seven world-region offices, we are constantly expanding. We can say with all truth that “the sun never sets on the Special Olympics movement.”

Dignity, acceptance, and a chance to reach one’s potential – these are human rights worth promoting for everyone. For more than four decades, Special Olympics has been bringing one message to the world: people with intellectual disabilities can and will succeed if given the opportunity.

Giving Families a Voice

Family members of a person with intellectual disability often feel confused and alone. Getting involved with Special Olympics gives families a support network providing them acceptance, resources, hope and a chance to become advocates – making them a valued voice in our movement.

Creating a World of Acceptance

Through year-round sports training and competition, Special Olympics empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries. Special Olympics often is the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. Many live lives of neglect and isolation, hidden away or socially excluded from full participation in schools or society. Transforming the athlete, Special Olympics sports are a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy.

Volunteers

Special Olympics would not exist today — and could not have been created — without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of people just like you, thousands of individuals who choose to take a little time from busy schedules to make the world a better place.

Be Part of the Family

Around the world, millions of people volunteer, taking pride in knowing they’re providing athletes with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to experience the excitement, joy and personal fulfillment associated with sport training and competition. From the local coach who works with athletes every day, to the international organization holding World Games every two years, dedicated volunteers make Special Olympics happen. There is always something to do, with training, competitions and other events happening 365 days a year.

What You Can Do

Volunteering with Special Olympics creates change that carries forth from our Programs and into the world. Whether you’re an individual or a member of a school, church, work, civic or other group; whether you can volunteer for just a few hours on a single day as a scorekeeper, or several hours a week, year-round, as a special events coordinator; there are volunteer opportunities for you.

Donate

For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. Special Olympics sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy. But for every Special Olympics athlete, there are many more that we haven’t reached yet. Donate and help us reach one more person.