Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.  The first
International Special Olympics Games were held in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago.  There are programs in all 50 states and more than 3.7 million
athletes in 229 Accredited Special Olympics Programs across more than 170 countries worldwide with 7 regional offices around the world, located in China, Egypt, Ireland, Panama, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.
Special Olympics, Inc. is a non-profit international organization located in Washington, DC.

Oklahoma's first Special Olympics event was an athletics competition at the University of Tulsa in 1969.  In 1972, Special Olympics Oklahoma was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is governed by a state-wide Board of Directors.  Special Olympics Oklahoma is authorized and accredited by Special Olympics, Inc., for the benefit of citizens with intellectual disabilities.

Athletes carry the benefits from their involvement in Special Olympics with 
them in their daily lives at home, in the classroom, on the job and in the 
community. Families are strengthened and the community increases its understanding, acceptance and respect of these individuals.

• Physical, social and psychological development 
  
• Improved physical fitness and motor skills 
  
• Greater self-confidence 
  
• Positive self-image 
  
• Friendships and increased family support
  

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

The goal of Special Olympics is for all persons with intellectual disabilities to have the opportunity to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected by their families, friends and in their communities.

Area Management Teams, from the 14 geographic areas, administer programs across the state and are comprised of volunteers who work year-round to plan, organize and conduct sports training and competition events for athletes and coaches in their area.

Participation in Special Olympics helps athletes remain physically active, while increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence. Athletes attend dances, movie nights and other activities to help develop social skills. Athletes and their families network and develop relationships with other athletes’ families, sponsors, coaches, and volunteers.

Special Olympics Oklahoma relies almost 100% on private resources to meet its annual budget. The organization invests in an annual audit of all finances. 89% of all funds directly benefit Program expenses. Special Olympics is not a United Way agency. Special Olympics Oklahoma is dependent on private gifts from individuals, corporations, associations, private foundations, and other sources.

Everyone benefits from participating in Special Olympics Oklahoma. Athletes carry the benefits from their involvement in Special Olympics with them in their daily lives at home, in the class room, on the job and in the community. Families are strengthened and the community increases its understanding, acceptance and respect of these individuals.  Be a fan of unity, acceptance, empowerment, dignity, courage, strength, pride, confidence and fun. Be a fan of Special Olympics.