"I have new heroes and they are the parents of persons with intellectual disabilities. They demanded that their children be treated like other children. They said, my children are of value. In 10 or 15  years, we are going to have millions of athletes in Special Olympics around the  world and the parents are going to say to everybody, 'We won.'"
”  Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Honorary Chair, Special  Olympics

Families are the most powerful and valuable natural resource available to Special Olympics. Families serve Special Olympics by reaching out to new  athletes, coaching, transporting, raising funds, officiating, chaperoning and  training other volunteers. Family members also make energetic and enthusiastic goodwill ambassadors because they know firsthand the benefits and joys of being part of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics can provide those family members with a sense of pride in  their athlete, a sense of accomplishment through sports, and the hope of an exciting and bright future for the individual as an athlete and citizen in any community. Additionally, Special Olympics can provide support and opportunities for sharing of challenges and accomplishments among family members.

Special Olympics strives to involve families in activities and to encourage them to share in the joy that comes from such participation. Through Special Olympics, more than 2.5 million athletes ” and their families ” are discovering that a bright future lies  ahead. Special Olympics Families, funded through the generous contributions of Kim Samuel Johnson and the Samuel Family Foundation, brings your family a variety of ways you can become more supported, connected, honored and  knowledgeable.

This page will be used to provide additional information and links such as information from Special Olympics North Carolina concerning State Level Games and Tournaments. Click on this link for a Family Info Guide that has more information about Special Olympics.