What is Special Olympics Palm Beach Coun

Special Olympics Palm Beach County was founded in 1973 as the grassroots level of Special Olympics Inc., whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for people eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness,  experience joy, demonstrate courage and participate in a sharing of gifts, friendship and skills their families, friends, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. 

The Special Olympics Oath “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” exemplifies the true spirit of our Special Olympians. Since 1968, when Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities have experienced the benefits of improved physical fitness, a more positive self image and greater self confidence through their involvement.

In the State of Florida, Palm Beach County has one of the largest athlete programs, with close to 1,200 participants currently enrolled.  Special Olympics Palm Beach County is a program whose strength and durability are shaped by a dedicated professional staff, a Management Team and hundreds of volunteers in local communities throughout Palm Beach County. 

Games & Sports:

Special Olympians have the opportunity to receive training on a year-round basis, with two seasons of competition and tournaments offered throughout the year.  Participants are divided into age groups and then placed in divisions according to ability.  This enables the fairest competition possible.  Athletes’ progress from local County Games to Area Games to State Games with limited Regional Competitions and a select few have the chance to advance to the World Games (held every four years).  

Athletic competition is divided into two seasons with additional Tournaments that allow athletes to expand their competition opportunities.

TheFall Classic:   Bowling, Softball, Power Lifting, Gymnastics

The Summer Games:  Athletics (Track & Field), Bocce, Cycling, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, MATP

Tournaments:  Aquatics, Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Ice Skating, Alpine Skiing, Sailing 

Also Available:  Unified Sports     

Program Initiatives

The Young Athletes Program is a sports skill development program for children with intellectual disabilities for ages 2 to 7 through the emphasis of play and physical activity. This program provides flexibility to work with family members, teachers and volunteers.

The Healthy Athletes Program is designed to help athletes improve their health and fitness. Its mission is to help improve each athlete’s ability to train and compete.

The Athlete Leadership Program provides opportunities to explore leadership roles within Special Olympics such as a volunteer, official, coach and more.

It costs Special Olympics Palm Beach County approximately $300,000 per year to operate our program. These funds are raised through individual donations, civic groups, corporate support, and special event fund raisers. Donations are spent directly on the actual program and our athlete's expenses. The majority of the administrative costs are covered by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners through the County Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, please contact Rich Fleming, County Coordinator, Ryan Gilbert, Sports Director, Dan Fawcett, Games Director or Lisa Kuntzman, Program Director at (561) 966-7015 or you can email us at sopbc@hotmail.com.

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