Take the plunge at one of five locations across Virginia, supporting 20,000+ Special Olympics athletes in our largest fundraiser of the year—Go for the Cold!"
Promoviendo la inclusión y el deporte en Virginia para personas con discapacidades intelectuales.
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Stay in Touch
Get the latest updates from Special Olympics Virginia sent right to your inbox!About Us
Special Olympics is a movement built on inclusion, where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. We are helping make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place through the power of sport.-
Our Mission
Special Olympics Virginia’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. -
Meet Our Team
Our Richmond headquarters houses the majority of our staff, as well as our administrative functions. Seven regional offices located across the state are dedicated to supporting Special Olympics Virginia programs and volunteers within their community: Richmond, Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, Newport News, and Blacksburg. -
Our Partners
Active across the state, reaching more than 30,000 athletes and volunteers, Special Olympics is a movement that changes lives. The secret that many community leaders, CEOs and local celebrities who lend their support to Special Olympics know is that by helping to raise awareness and funds for the movement, they benefit, too.
Want to join them? Fill out our Partner Inquiry Form and we will be in touch. -
Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Virginia unites officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state to raise more than a million dollars annually. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open our Summer Games in Richmond. - Español
Become An Athlete
Special Olympics Virginia organizes and runs year-round athletic training and nearly 2,000 competitions each year for athletes of all ages at no cost to our participants. Whether your interest is competitive or social in nature, we want you on our team.Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. They bring out the champion in every Special Olympics athlete.Become a Coach
Our coaches work closely with athletes and Unified partners to provide top-notch athletic instruction and serve as leaders, mentors, and role models. -
Our Mission
Find Special Olympics Near You
Special Olympics Virginia is made up of 32 Area programs, organized into nine regions. Connect with your local program to get involved.
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
In the News
In every corner of the state, Special Olympics Virginia is changing lives.
Attention Special Olympics Coaches: Apply Now to Lead Athletes to the 2026 USA Games!
Apply by December 1 to Lead Our Athletes to Success at the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis!
1 Min Read
Athletes Shine At the 2024 Fall Championships
More than 1,000 athletes and hundreds of volunteers and coaches came together for a weekend of sports, friendship, and celebration
1 Min Read
Meet Dylan Jacquez
Dylan Jacquez is heading to the 2024 Fall Championships, ready to make his mark in golf for the first time!
1 Min Read
Our Reach
20,000+
Athletes
166
Competitions
6,986
Volunteers
91
Athlete Leaders
8,451
Youth Leaders
555
Unified Schools
Special Thanks to Our Legend Sponsors
- 103.7 Play
- ABLEnow
- Hardee's
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Classic Rock 96.5
- GEICO
- Sports 106.1
- K95
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Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Virginia unites officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state to raise more than a million dollars annually. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open our Summer Games in Richmond. - Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
- savers
- Sheetz
- 100.9 Jack FM
- 106.9 The FOX
- FM99
- United Airlines
- University of Richmond
- Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
- Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
- Virginia Department of Corrections
- Virginia Association of Regional Jails
- Virginia Sheriff's Assocation
- Knights of Columbus Virginia State Council
- Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Wawa
- WTKR News 3