Special Olympics is the world's largest program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities: it currently serves more than 2.5 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries.

Special Olympics is based on the belief that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect, and acceptance.

Athlete Registration Form

Click here to download and print a copy of the Athlete Registration Form

Mission

Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA), a chapter of Special Olympics Inc., provides year-round athletic training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and provides them with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness skills, express courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. SOPA Carbon County currently offers bowling, floor hockey, and track and field.

Volunteers

Volunteers of all ages serve as coaches, escorts, organizers, fund-raisers, entertainers, or sports officials. Volunteers are always needed!

Competitions

SOPA competitions are offered year-round in 56 local programs across Pennsylvania. SOPA conducts four statewide competitions: Winter Games, The State Floor Hockey Tournament, Summer Games, and Fall Festival Games.

Benefits

A 1995 study by Yale University confirmed that participating in Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social, and psychological development of people with intellectual disabilities. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image that carries over into the classroom, the home, the job, and the community.

Funding

SOPA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that raises the funds through the generosity of individuals, companies, and foundations.

THE MEANING OF THE
SPECIAL OLYMPICS LOGO

The logo has five people who each have
six arms. 

The down position means "downtrodden," remembering a time when many people thought those with intellectual disabilities were not able to make good decisions or try new things.

This often describes the lives of athletes before they became involved in Special Olympics. Many had few friends and spent most of their time alone.

The straight arms mean "equal," showing that our athletes are just like everyone else.

The raised arms represent "joy," and realizing ultimate goals.

The five people represent the five continents involved in Special Olympics at the time the logo was created.

The people are placed in a circle to represent the world as there are Special Olympic athletes and volunteers in almost every country around the globe.