Special Olympics

American  

plural noun

1. an international program of fitness and athletic competition for children and adults who have mental and often physical disabilities, founded in 1968 and featuring events and quadrennial games modeled on those of the Olympics as well as regional and national competitions.

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Other Word Forms

• Special Olympian
  noun

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Special Olympics

General aviation aircraft also provide volunteer support and critical flights for disaster relief, medical care, veterans’ needs and to the Special Olympics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

Special Olympics GB, external supports more than 6,500 athletes, including those who compete at the Summer and Winter World Games.

From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026

"Jenkins just put your project and Special Olympics funding on the veto list," Fine wrote to West Melbourne City Councilman John Dittmore.

From Salon ● Apr. 2, 2025

They participated in a football clinic with Special Olympics Michigan athletes on a cold, blustery morning in a ballpark that used to be the site of old Tigers Stadium.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 24, 2024

Erskine’s son went on to compete in the Special Olympics as a swimmer and the chapter on Jimmy from Erskine’s book was consolidated into a pamphlet now distributed by the Special Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2024