Special Olympics International

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for us all. Using sports as a catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Founded in 1968 bt Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympic movement has grown to more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries.  

With the support of more than 1.3 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 81,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including the Christmas Records Trust, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, the Coca-Cola Company, the Walt Disney Company and ESPN, Lions Clubs International, Mattel, P&G, Bank of America, Essilor Vision Foundation, the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, Finish Line, the Safeway Foundation, and Safilo Group. Visit special olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on :  fb.com/specialolympics, youtube.com/specialolympicshq, instagram.com/specialolympics and specialolympicsblog.worldpress.com

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FIP and Special Olympics International Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

On September 13, 2014 FIP President, Carine Haemels and Special Olympics International Director, Tim Shriver, officially renewed the Memorandum of Understandng (MOU) between the FIP and SOI at  the European Summer Games of Special Olympics, in Antwerp, Belgium. This signing solidifies the ongoing relationship that exists between both organizations that was originally formalized in 2011. Click here to see a copy of the most recent MOU.

During this event 1459 athletes had their feet screened and 1400 (84%) of the participants were provided with a free pair of running shoes thanks to "Nike".

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On March 18, 2011 the FIP Board of Directors visited the global office of Special Olympics International in Washington D.C.  During this historic meeting the FIP President, Janet McInnes signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Director of Special Olympics. Special Olympics has only done signed this type of this agreement once before and it was with the Peace Corp. This agreement solidifies the working relationship of the two organizations and opens the door for ongoing collaboration.

Special Olympics World Summer Games June 25, 2011

The Special Olympics World Summer Games - ATHENS GREECE 2011 will be held between June 25th -July 4th,  will draw 7,000 athletes from over than 180 countries from around the world, 3,000 coaches and officials, 25.000 volunteers, 40,000 family members, thousands of spectators, as well as hundreds of journalists who will document the efforts and achievements of these athletes. For more information go to www.specialolympics.org

Members Whom Make a Difference

At the most recent Special Olympics Games in Warsaw Poland in September 2010, Fit feet clinical Director and FIP member Carine Haemels along with several colleagues performed foot screenings on many of the athletes and handed out shoes to those in need.