Our Mission & History
The first idea for Special Olympics began in a backyard more than 50 years ago. Today, Special Olympics NorCal is proud to be a part of a global movement of inclusion through sports.
Special Olympics’ 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 Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics NorCal’s Mission
The mission of Special Olympics Northern California is to create an inclusive community where people with and without intellectual disabilities can make connections, develop healthy lifestyles, achieve success, and experience the joy of sports.
Special Olympics NorCal’s Vision
To live in a world where the values of unity and respect are woven into our NorCal community and brought to life through the power of sports. We envision positivity and inclusivity beyond the playing field, where the unique gifts of people with and without intellectual disabilities are all joyfully celebrated together.
Special Olympics NorCal’s DEI Statement
Special Olympics has celebrated and led with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for more than half a century. We recognize that those with intellectual disabilities are reflected across every facet of diversity. Through our athletes, employees, Board of Directors, volunteers, and the communities we serve, we celebrate, respect, and promote individual differences, backgrounds and perspectives. We believe that including those with ID, and all forms of diversity, creates stronger and more innovative organizations.
Our Founder
Eunice Kennedy Shriver started Special Olympics in 1968 and was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. ESPN posthumously recognized Eunice with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award during the 25th annual ESPYs. Learn about her inspiring story and the history of Special Olympics in a video narrated by Michelle Obama.
Our History
1968
Special Olympics is founded as a nonprofit organization by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The first Special Olympics Games are held at Soldier Field in Chicago.
1969
The first Western US Regional Games are held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson subsequently co-founds the California chapter of Special Olympics.
1970
The U.S. Olympic Committee gives Special Olympics official approval as one of only two organizations authorized to use the term “Olympics” in the US.
1981
Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon launches the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which later grows into the largest grassroots fundraising group for Special Olympics worldwide.
1989
Special Olympics officially launches Unified Sports, a new initiative aimed at bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities to compete on the same team.
1995
Special Olympics California officially divides into two chapters – Northern California and Southern California – to better serve local communities and expand outreach efforts.
1996
Special Olympics Northern California hosts its first Summer Games.
1997
Healthy Athletes becomes an official Special Olympics initiative, providing free health and wellness screenings and resources to athletes.
2002
Special Olympics Nevada operations are integrated into Northern California, officially becoming Special Olympics Northern California & Nevada.
2007
Special Olympics Northern California launches the Schools Partnership Program, designed to promote inclusion in schools for students of all abilities.
2012
Special Olympics surpasses 4 million athletes throughout the world.
2015
Special Olympics Northern California celebrates its 20-year anniversary.
2018
Special Olympics celebrates its 50-year anniversary with a week’s worth of celebrations in Chicago and around the world.
2022
Rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics Northern California offers 11 different sports, impacts more than 100,000 students, pushes more inclusive healthcare and trains athlete leaders to advocate for the mission.
2023
Special Olympics NorCal launches our first-ever multimedia brand campaign starring local athletes: Do Something Special. The award-winning campaign is later shared nationwide.
2024
Special Olympics Nevada officially becomes its own independent chapter after 20+ years operating as a part of Special Olympics Northern California.
2025
Special Olympics Northern California celebrates its 30th Anniversary serving 40,000 program participants across 41 counties. NorCal opens four regional offices with dedicated staff in East Bay/North Bay, San Francisco Peninsula/Silicon Valley region, Sacramento/North Region and Central Valley.
