SALT LAKE CITY NON-PROFIT PARTNER
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
The Utah chapter of Special Olympics, established in 1969 and now in its 40th year of service, offers sports statewide to athletes ranging from eight to 91 years of age. Annually, we serve over 2,200 athletes in nearly 50 events throughout Utah. Special Olympics Utah gives people with intellectual disabilities the advantage of physical activity. It is a proven fact that involvement in Special Olympics prolongs the life of the intellectually disabled by 5 years. The benefits do not stop there, but that in and of itself, is an impressive statistic. The program gives the gift of involvement, of social acceptance to those who may not have that opportunity anyplace else in their life. It also brings awareness to the community regarding the talents and skills of the Special Olympics athletes.
