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Get Involved

Families

Families Lead
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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

Global Coalition for Inclusion Signed in Ghana and Seychelles

Special Olympics Ghana hosted the first signing in the Special Olympics (SO) Africa Region of the Global Coalition for Inclusion with the Republic of Ghana on 27 November 2023.
2 Min Read

Singleton Siblings Find Passion and Support for Each Other Through Special Olympics

Alex Singleton has laced up his cleats countless times throughout his amateur and professional football career. It’s part of his well-honed pre-game routine, something that does not change from game to game. But on December 3, 2023, there was a change. A noticeable and meaningful one.
4 Min Read

Higher ‘Happiness Levels’ and Self-Confidence among Outcomes as Three-Year Sport Initiative Nears Finish

More than 5,000 children with intellectual disabilities have seen an improvement in their overall happiness, motor and social skills as a result of the EEA and Norway Grants-funded project.
4 Min Read