Mission & Philosophy

Mission Statement

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.

Philosophy

Special Olympics is founded on the belief that children and adults with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. Special Olympics believes that through sports training and competition, Health, Education, and Leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually on and off the playing fields. Families are strengthened and communities are inspired, creating an inclusive environment of equality, respect, and acceptance across Hawaiʻi. The ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.