By harnessing the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to influence, expand and generate inclusive societies for people with intellectual disabilities around the world. Sport is used as a catalyst for change because it has a direct impact on areas such as health, social well-being and overall quality of life.
Promoting sports opportunities for Special Olympics athletes is one of the best ways to promote social progress for people with intellectual disabilities and the community around them.
Programs like Special Olympics Unified Sports that bring people with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete as teammates allow both athletes and Unified partners to learn from each other, develop individually and as a team, and carry these lessons and friendships off the field long after the competition ends.
A powerful example is the Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup from December 5 to 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over three days, 185 Special Olympics basketball players compete on the court in hopes of being named Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup champions. And off the field, friendships and lifelong memories will be made and cherished long after the Cup ends by the players, coaches, volunteers, staff and supporters who choose to be part of an inclusive community.
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