More than 1,000 athletes and hundreds of volunteers and coaches came together for a weekend of sports, friendship, and celebration
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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    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.

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.
Donation Amount
In the News
In every corner of the state, Special Olympics Virginia is changing lives.

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

Introducing the Screaming Eagles

The Screaming Eagles are ready to soar at this Weekend's Fall Championships!
1 Min Read

A Legacy of Dedication with Gail Whalen and Sandy Schwartz

For over three decades, Gail Whalen and Sandy Schwartz have inspired athletes, families, and volunteers through their unwavering commitment and heart for Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
Our Reach

20,000+

Athletes

166

Competitions

6,986

Volunteers

91

Athlete Leaders

8,451

Youth Leaders

555

Unified Schools