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Press Releases

Special Olympics, Inc. Resolves Dispute with Special Children's Charities

Statement
Special Olympics Logo

Special Olympics, Inc. and Special Children's Charities have resolved their dispute regarding Special Children's Charities' use of the name, "Special Olympics Chicago," and reached a confidential settlement agreement in the United States District Court lawsuit.

Special Olympics, Inc. recognizes that one or more of the founding members of Special Children's Charities played an integral role in the creation of Special Olympics and the implementation of the inaugural 1968 Special Olympics games in Chicago. Since then, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, and numerous other educational and social service agencies have operated programs with the funding of Special Children's Charities. 

Going forward, in cooperation with Special Olympics Illinois, and with funds raised through the Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children's Charities, Special Children's Charities will continue to provide funding and resources to Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District to implement Special Olympics Illinois programming for Chicagoans with intellectual disabilities.

About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global sports movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With over four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in 200 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.

Media Contact

Rebecca Simon

Special Olympics International
Senior Director of Communications
+1 (202) 824 0344