This is Who We Are

Competitive sports breed common ground. Athletes, coaches and the people who support them come together for the love of a sport or the thrill of a game. Not everyone wins.
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Through Special Olympics Louisiana, though, everyone is included. Athletes with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to challenge themselves in fair and even competition. Win or lose, they develop their own character, make friends and find unknown wells of determination within themselves.

If you’re a fan of unity, acceptance, empowerment, dignity, pride and fun, you’re a fan of Special Olympics Louisiana. You’re one of us.

OUR MISSION
to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, 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.

area programs

 competitions each year

athletes served

​History of Special Olympics Louisiana

Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics in 1968. Eleven athletes from Belle Chasse State School competed in the first International Special Olympics Games that year under the leadership of Dr. Karen Sofford.  Since the time, Special Olympics Louisiana has been spreading the message: people with intellectual disabilities can – and will – succeed when given the chance.  Athletes participate in local or area programs first and then have the opportunity to advance to state, national and world games. 
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