Special Olympics: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 4, 2026

News •

Susan Saint James, activist and TV star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ dies at 80 • Oct. 27, 2026, 9:07 PM ET (Los Angeles Times)

Hardcourt royalty: Debbie Antonelli turns free throws into fundraising for Special Olympics • Oct. 17, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (The Charleston Post and Courier)

Photos

Special Olympics

Athletes sprint toward the finish line in an 800-meter race at the Special Olympics European Summer Games in Warsaw, with spectators and officials in the background.

See All Images →

Topics

Special Olympics World Games public games and contests Olympic Games Commonwealth Games X Games Paralympic Games Canada Games Highland Games Pan American Sports Games Asian Games Maccabiah Games African Games

Key People

R. Sargent Shriver, 1962

R. Sargent Shriver

American politician

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

American philanthropist

Volleyball match

Sports Fun Facts Quiz

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.

American Sports Nicknames