Special Olympics
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"Up" is the number of experts who agree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in the
field. "Down" is the number of experts who disagree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in field.
Headquarters Location: Washington, DC
Founded: 1968
Mission: The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.
Summary
Stories
Expert Reviews
Leadership
From the Nonprofit
Leadership
Timothy Shriver.
Timothy P. Shriver is the Chairman, Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. In that capacity, he serves 3.75 million Special Olympics athletes and their families in 175 countries. He has helped transform Special Olympics into a movement that focuses on respect, acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities in all corners of the globe. After taking the helm…
See full bio.
Transparency Information
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Financial Data
Overhead Ratio:
18.41%
Total Revenue:
$78,964,073
From the Nonprofit
The nonprofit has not added any comments yet. If you are a representative of this nonprofit and would like to leave a comment, please email us at
feedback@myphilanthropedia.org
with your request.
Contact Info
Address:
1133 19th St, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036, USA
Twitter:
Story:
From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes for more than 40 years. Special Olympics began in June 1962 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer day camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at her home in. The 1st International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, where with 1,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competed in track and field and swimming. Today, Special Olympics serves over 3.7 million athletes worldwide hosting more than 136 competitive events every day, 365 days a year around the world!
Expert Reviews of Special Olympics
Evidence of Impact Summary:
Special Olympics provides sports training and competition to millions of people with intellectual disabilities and does all of this free of charge, paying for all expenses and providing many activities. Through sports, Special Olympics has created awareness and support for families with children who have intellectual disabilities, while helping athletes build self esteem.See expert comments.
Organization Strengths Summary:
Special Olympics has many strengths. They have been praised for their especially effective leadership and marketing. Special Olympics has also developed a dedicated network of volunteers in many areas of the organization. They also have a broad reach as Special Olympicshas penetrated every states, usually implementing county-wide programs.See expert comments.
Areas for Improvement Summary:
Special Olympics could improve their communication. As with many large organizations, getting the proper information specifically regarding competitions at a local level can be difficult. They also need to improve funding at the local level as much of the important work is done at this level yet many of the local programs lack funding.See expert comments.
Expert Comments: Evidence of Impact
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Impact with the Intellectual Disabilities Community |
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The strongest impact of the Special Olympics seems to be with the intellectual disabilities community. It promotes positive self-image and community by involving people with serious disabilities in athletics. Its impact does not seem to go much beyond its immediate participants. | ||
Raising Awareness |
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Special Olympics has created tremendous awareness and support for families with children who have disabilities. | ||
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Special Olympics International (SOI) was out front in breaking stereotypes about people with disabilities, especially developmental disabilities. SOI showed parents as well as the general public that the people with disabilities could be involved in sports and recreation, function as members of teams and live full lives. | ||
Commitment to Well Being |
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Special Olympics' commitment to improving the social and physical health of their athletes has been astounding. | ||
Self Esteem |
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This organization has done amazing things for furthering the cause of cognitive individuals. The promotion of physical activity which also enhances self esteem is so important for this population. | ||
Athletics & Moral Support |
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Empowerment |
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Special Olympics promotes achievement and empowerment through sports. | ||
Sports & Recreation |
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Special Olympics provides sports and recreation to millions of people with [intellectual disabilities] and does all of this free of charge, paying for all expenses and providing many activities. | ||
High Visibility |
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I am most familiar with this organization that began in 1968. Like several other nonprofits, its "product" is highly visible and SOI has made the best of that visibility. Because of its high profile leadership (Sarge and Eunice Shriver), numerous celebrities became involved with Special Olympics on the International, national and state levels. The images created by participating in sporting events was very attractive to companies interested in affinity marketing. Special Olympics was the leader in this way of raising money. Changing definitions and perceptions of "mental retardation" caused the organization to adjust its marketing. Mainstreaming in schools lowered participation, another adjustment that had to be made. In other countries, the program is booming. | ||
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They have a great reputation, an international appeal and vision. They are positioned to launch additional, unique services. They are a leader in health assessments and research. | ||
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They have a wonderful history and effective and efficient model with good diversity in revenue sources. They have strong corporate partnerships. Although closely tied to government figures, it did not get government money until 2004. Hard line disability advocates do not like the separation of disabled athletes, but other advocates have no problem with it. The families and agencies I have worked with, for the most part, participate and love it. Offers lots of easy, one-time volunteer opportunities for the community and families. Their higher level competitions are exciting and inspiring. They are always adding new programs to keep with the times, such as the Healthy Athletes program, Shriver Fellowships, and Project Unify. The strategic planning process that resulted in a 2011-2015 plan was impressive. | ||
Improve Lives of People who are Mentally Challenged |
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The role of Special Olympics in the lives of people who are mentally challenged is spectacular. As a county coordinator for 5 years, I know what can be done. Their services are provided free of charge to the athletes. | ||
Expert Comments: Organization Strengths
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Great Marketing |
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They have strong marketing and reach. They are able to create momentum in local areas, as well as world wide recognition. | ||
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Special Olympics has great marketing and a delightfully refreshing push to end the use of the "R-Word". Special Olympics has also developed a dedicated network of volunteers in many areas of the organization. | ||
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Special Olympics has strong event management, marketing and visibility. | ||
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Special Olympics is located in all states and areas, usually implementing county-wide programs. Special Olympics has very active marketing & advertising. | ||
Strong Leadership |
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Special Olympics has tremendous leadership and marketing as well as quality programs. | ||
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Special Olympics has strong leadership and marketing. | ||
Partnerships |
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Special Olympics was the first nonprofit to use cause/affinity marketing to raise money (before AMEX and the Statue of Liberty). Its partnership with Procter & Gamble still exists today after over 30 years. Such marketing projects are common today. In the early years, SOI trained its executive directors how to think like business leaders, using business principles, accounting practices and board governance. Special Olympics is a true grass roots organization staffed by committed volunteers. | ||
Great Reach |
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Special Olympics has international recognition yet still encourages grass roots programs in local communities through their state and regional structure. | ||
Expert Comments: Areas for Improvement
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Foundation Professionals (F)
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Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Programs |
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Special Olympics needs to distinguish between adults and children programs. It is not appropriate for adults to be completing with children and vice-versa. Adults AND children deserve separate programming. | ||
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Special Olympics should conduct more checking of credentials of persons working with these athletes. | ||
Communication |
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In spite of the length of time the organization has been in existence, there still exists some issues on sharing funds between local and national level. As with any grass roots organization staffed by volunteers, communication can be inconsistent. | ||
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Special Olympics could improve their communication. As with many large organizations, getting the proper information specifically regarding competitions at a local level can be difficult. They also need to improve funding at the local level - many of the important work is done at this level and many of the local programs are lacking in funding. | ||
Outreach |
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Special Olympics should offer more support and outreach to people living with their families as many special olympains live in group homes or supervised settings. More transportation services to and from events would strengthen their programs. | ||
High Pay Staff |
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I do feel the organization is somewhat top heavy on highly paid employees. | ||
Leadership
Timothy Shriver
Chairman
Chairman
From the Nonprofit
The nonprofit has not added any comments yet. If you are a representative of this nonprofit and would like to leave a comment, please email us at
feedback@myphilanthropedia.org
with your request.
