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

Get Ready for the 2025 Xperience Tennis Invitational!

The2025 Xperience Tennis Invitational is returning to Charlottesville, Virginia! From January 2–5, the Boar’s Head Sports Club will come alive with thrilling matches, engaging clinics, and memorable moments as athletes from across the United States will be showcasing their talents.
1 Min Read

A Thanksgiving Message from President David Thomason: Gratitude and Community

With anything that I do, I try to start with a spirit and lens of thankfulness. . . always. So, especially on this Thanksgiving Day, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every person in our Special Olympics Virginia family, including you.
1 Min Read

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
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