• Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is the world's largest program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.
• Special Olympics Florida, incorporated in 1972, is headquartered in Clermont , Florida and is divided into eleven area programs, covering over 51 counties and over 15,000 athletes.
• Special Olympics Duval County was established in 1969.

Training and Competition

• Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in sports activities. Athletes have the opportunity to participate in eight weeks of training conducted by talented volunteers and coaches prior to competition dates. Local competition and training occurs throughout the year, and qualifying athletes and teams advance to state level competition and have the opportunity to advance to national and international competition.

Funding

Special Olympics Duval is a not-for-profit organization. Families and athletes are not charged a fee to participate. This is made possible through individual and corporate contributions, grants, and special events

Mission Statement

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons 8 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, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.