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Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for children and adults in the world. Philanthropedia is a GuideStar subsidiary that encourages charitable giving by non-profit organizations.

Special Olympics was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and has grown to include over 3 million athletes in 175 countries. Just like the Olympics founded in Greece, Special Olympics Games alternate every two years between winter and summer games.

The goal of Special Olympics is to change lives "through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide." It provides the opportunity to develop physical fitness and experience joy and friendship for millions of children and adults around the world.

Accordingly to Philanthropedia, approximately 54 million individuals (20% of U.S. population) in the United States live with at least one disability. Special Olympics works to impact communities within the United States and around the world, as an estimated 200 million people worldwide have intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics was chosen as #1 out of 11 non-profit organizations that serve people with disabilities.

More information about each organization can be found on their websites:

Special Olympics