Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world, with more than 9,000 in Wisconsin. They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Everybody is different. Special Olympics is for people who are different because they learn new skills slowly. They are different in other ways as well. They have an intellectual disability, or ID. Intellectual disabilities happen in all cultures, races and countries. The goal of Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) is to reach out to the more than 145,000 people in the state with ID. Our 9,000+ SOWI athletes—ages 8 years old and up—come from all regions of the state. We also have a Young Athletes program for children ages 2 to 10. At any age and in every county, our athletes are learning new skills, making new friends and gaining in fitness and confidence.
Special Olympics Wisconsin trainings and competitions happen 365 days a year. We offer 19 Olympic-style winter, spring, summer and fall sports. All sports are coached by certified volunteer coaches. Many athletes start in one sport, then go on to try others.
There is no upper age limit, and in fact, the average age of an athlete is 33. So whatever your age or skill level, Special Olympics has something for you.