Photography by Thilo Wieden Soler
New research from Special Olympics It showed how the number of partnerships with sports bodies and federations across the movement rose by more than ten percent in 2023 to reach a record high of 1,225. This includes all types of sports partnerships at the national, regional and international levels.
Special Olympics currently has partnerships with 1,160 national sports federations, 47 regional sports federations, and 18 international sports federations globally.
In recent years, Special Olympics has made it a strategic priority to work more closely with sports federations to demonstrate the unique ability of sports to serve as a vehicle for the social inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athlete partnerships also help expand and enhance the athletic and competition opportunities available to athletes across the range of 30 Olympic-style sports offered by Special Olympics.
Special Olympics has four million athletes with intellectual disabilities and unified partners who practice and compete in sports annually. They are supported by one million trainers and volunteers. 46,000 events and competitions are organized every year around the world.
Maggie Brennan, Senior Director of Sport Development and Athlete Partnerships at Special Olympics, shared how important the role of sport partnerships is in the continued development of Special Olympics.
“Our collaboration with sports federations at international, regional and national levels is crucial in providing exceptional training experiences for our athletes. These partnerships help us ensure that athletes benefit from excellent training, necessary equipment and high-quality competitions. In return, we help federations make their sports more inclusive, making It allows everyone, regardless of ability level, to enjoy the benefits of sports participation.
Incorporating inclusivity into sport at grassroots level means that inclusive environments can be created and passed on to young people, adult and professional levels of sport, which is essential in creating a safe and inclusive sport for all individuals.
Photography by Anna Spindelenderer
Special Olympics Nippon (Japan) is one such national program that recognizes the importance of sports partnerships.
Takehisa Wada, Director of Sports Operations and Community Development at Special Olympics Nippon, explained how a range of partnerships with Japan’s national sports bodies are helping to foster the growth of inclusive sports.
“Collaborating with partners has enabled us to provide first-class equipment, facilities and financial support. This has allowed us to expand our sporting offerings and create more comprehensive training environments for coaches. Some of these partnerships help provide the latest sporting equipment to our athletes, enabling them to reach new heights in their respective sports.” .
The Japan Sports and Dance Federation has helped transform Special Olympics Nippon’s competitive cheerleading program, according to Takehisa. Through support in key development areas including coach training, judging, advanced operational knowledge and high-level competition venues, the Federation has been instrumental in enabling Special Olympics Nippon to reach and engage more new athletes in the sport. Today the joint project is supported by 120 fans.
Also this year, Special Olympics Nippon brought Unified Floorball to the 2024 National Winter Games for the first time. Takehisa attributes the sport’s success and competitiveness to the Japan Floorball Association, which provided referees and sports officials, helping to raise the level of competition to the highest professional levels.
“Sports partnerships foster a sense of unity and common purpose within a community. By working together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity. When people from different backgrounds come together to support Special Olympics, it creates a ripple effect for positive change, inspiring others to join the movement .
“By working closely with local governments, community organizations and schools, we have been able to identify and reach athletes in underserved areas. These partnerships have led to the creation of new programs for Special Olympics, making sports accessible to a wide range of individuals with intellectual disabilities,” Takehisa added. “.
Photography by Thilo Wieden Soler
Some of Special Olympics’ current partners include the Badminton World Federation (BWF), International Basketball Federation (FIBA), International Cycling Federation (UCI), International Floor Federation (IFF), TopGolf, International Hockey Federation (FIH), International Lifting Federation Weightlifting (IPF). The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
To see the full list of partners and sports federations, click here.
Special Olympics has 57 partnerships with the National Olympic Committee, 30 partnerships with the National Paralympic Committee and 97 partnerships with the Ministry of Sports, all of which help amplify the goal and work to make sport inclusive.
