The Special Olympics is a worldwide organization that seeks to make the world a better place by creating communities where people are included, welcomed, and accepted, no matter their ability or disability. One of the Special Olympics programs is Unified Sports®. Team sports can destroy stereotypes about people who have intellectual disabilities while also teaching important teamwork and social skills. As the teams train and play together, they develop friendships and communities outside of regular barriers.
Special Olympics saw a chance to give people a unique opportunity, to help them to have fun and experience new opportunities. Mixing individuals with and without disabilities can create a unique atmosphere where they can experience social inclusion in ways that otherwise would not happen. More and more organizations are adopting the Special Olympics Unified Sports® program, including ESPN and the Walt Disney Company. There are now one million participants in the program, from coaches to athletes with disabilities to teammates without disabilities.