Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), with critical support from their families, face a daunting array of challenges in their efforts to lead quality lives. These challenges affect every aspect of their lives, including where they go to school, where they live, the type and the quality of health care they receive, their opportunities for gainful employment and careers, and, importantly, their ability to participate in a meaningful way in their communities and society at large.

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It is typical for athletes, whether in Special Olympics or otherwise, to seek to reach both personal and team goals. Special Olympics athletes typically participate in several sports at any stage of their athletic careers and
often diversify their sports experience over time. This presents many choices and opportunities. Choice and opportunity are things most people cherish, but that people with intellectual disabilities have generally been denied in their lives. Additionally, in Special Olympics, athletes are encouraged and enabled to lead with their ideas and voices, through participating on boards and committees, working in Special Olympics Programs or serving as coaches, officials or in other volunteer roles.

The evidence from the Special Olympics Impact Study clearly illustrates that Special Olympics enables people with intellectual disabilities to demonstrate and experience sports competence and suggests that gains in self-confidence,
self-esteem, employment, and socialization can carry beyond Special Olympics.

For the benefits of Special Olympics to be sustained and further extended, additional support will be required from multiple sources, including government and the private sector, as well as organizations. Special Olympics opportunities can only grow if resources permit, including an adequate supply of coaches and volunteers.

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