Michael Phelps is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes of all time. He captured more Olympic medals, World Championships, US National Titles, and world records than any other swimmer in history. Throughout his career, Phelps has been committed to helping to promote the sport of swimming at all levels. He established the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2008 to promote water safety, healthy living, and the pursuit of dreams. That same year, he was recognized by Sports Illustrated as the “Sportsman of the Year” while, befittingly, Eunice Kennedy Shriver posthumously received the publications “Legacy Award.”
Phelps’ relationship with Special Olympics began as an Ambassador of 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, which included a number of swim clinics with athletes from Special Olympics China. With a shared vision to provide opportunities in the sport of swimming to people of all ages and abilities, Phelps was named a Global Ambassador in 2007 and his Foundation's signature program, im, was designated as Special Olympics’ Official Swimming Program in 2011. The partnership was solidified with a groundbreaking international pilot program that spanned seven countries across six continents. The Foundation developed the Young Athletes im, for a swimmers first introduction to the water in 2012.
The 2015 World Summer Games, which Phelps served as a flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies, featured some of the im program participants who qualified for the Games as well as a special im Fast Swim Clinic clinic and relay for other athletes in attendance. Since then, thousands of athletes spanning more than 35 countries have been afforded the opportunity and encouragement to become more comfortable, confident and faster in the water.
His work with the Foundation has earned him recognition as the AAFA’s “Humanitarian of the Year,” Boys & Girls Clubs of America “Champion of Youth,” Laureus’s “Excellence in Achievement,” and SAMHSA’s “Special Recognition Award” among others. Michael Phelps Foundation continues to work with Special Olympics providing coaches training around the world.
Michael Phelps Foundation
Global Ambassadors
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Alia Atkinson
Olympic Swimmer, Commander of the Order of Distinction -
Andre Drummond
NBA All-Star & Rebound Champion, Philadelphia 76ers -
Apolo Anton Ohno
Olympic Medalist (Speedskating) -
Avril Lavigne
Musician & Philanthropist -
Robert "Bob" Beamon
Olympic Champion, Long Jump -
Brooklyn Decker Roddick
Actress & Model -
Charles Melton
Actor -
Chris Nikic
Special Olympics Triathlete/Motivational Speaker -
Dale Moss
Former National Football League Player -
Dalton Risner
NFL Player, Minnesota Vikings, Offensive Guard -
Damian Lillard
NBA All Star, Milwaukee Bucks -
Devin Booker
NBA All-Star, Phoenix Suns -
Didier Drogba
Legendary Professional Football (Soccer) Player -
Drew McIntyre
WWE Superstar, (World Wrestling Entertainment) WWE -
Eddie Barbanell
Actor & Comedian -
Eddie Yarbrough
Former NFL Player -
Elena Delle Donne
WNBA Player, Washington Mystics -
Emma Broyles
Miss America 2022 -
Erika Ender
Singer/Songwriter, TV Celebrity, Producer and Actress -
Gabriela (Gaby) Dabrowski
Professional Tennis Player, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) -
Gleyber Torres
2x MLB All-Star, New York Yankees Shortstop -
Hannah Teter
Olympic Champion, Snowboarder -
Hidetoshi Nakata
Former Professional Footballer, ACCA Inc -
Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian Actor -
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Olympic Champion, Fencing -
In-Kyung Kim
Professional Golfer -
Jamaal Charles
Former Football Player at National Football League (NFL) & All Pro Runningback -
Joe Haden
Former NFL Player & All Pro Defensive Back -
John C. McGinley
Actor & Advocate -
Julen Lopetegui
Legendary Soccer Goaltender & current Manager of FC Sevilla -
Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt
New York Times Bestselling Author | Actor, Producer -
Lauren Potter
Actor & Advocate -
Li Na
Former Professional Tennis Player, two time grand slam champion, The first Chinese member of the ITHF -
Lily D Moore
Actress and Model -
Mack Hollins
NFL Player, Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver -
Maureen McCormick
Actress, Designer, Singer, NY Times Bestselling Author -
Michael Phelps
Olympic Champion, Swimming -
Michelle Kwan
Olympic Figure Skater -
Montell Jordan
International Recording Artist/Pastor -
Nadia Comaneci
Olympic Champion, Gymnastics, Perfect 10 Production, Inc., Special Olympics Global Ambassador -
Nicole Scherzinger
International Recording Artist & Television Personality -
Nigel Barker
Fashion Photographer, TV Personality, Producer/Filmmaker -
Padraig Harrington
Professional Golfer -
Paul Wight
Six-Time WWE World Champion -
Ricky Rubio
Former NBA Player, Cleveland Cavaliers -
Sam Perkins
Olympic Champion, Basketball & NBA Legend -
Dr. Seun Adigun
Summer & Winter Olympian Hurdles and Bobsledding -
Tristan Thompson
NBA Champion, Cleveland Cavaliers -
Vanessa Williams
Singer & Broadway Performer -
Victoria Arlen
ESPN SportsCenter Host -
Vladimir 'Vanja' Grbic
Olympic Medalist, Volleyball -
Willson Contreras
2x MLB All-Star, St. Louis Cardinals Catcher -
Yang Yang
Olympic Champion, Speed Skating -
Yao Ming
NBA All Star & Chairman of the International Basketball Federation Asia (FIBA) -
Zhou Xun
Actress, Singer & Philanthropic Environmentalist -
Zou Shiming
Olympic Champion, Boxing -
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As icons of success from diverse industries such as sports, music, entertainment, media, and beyond, Special Olympics Global Ambassadors generously lend their time, talent, and resources to support the Special Olympics mission. They are inspirational role models who share a belief in the power to come together, break down barriers, and foster a world of inclusion while supporting Special Olympics’ expansion of sports, health, youth, and education programs.
