Special Olympics is founded on the beliefs that:
People with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in an individual or team sport.
Consistent training is essential to the development of sports skills.
Competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth.
Through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, comes to understand, respect and accept people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality.
The vision of Special Olympics is to help bring Special Olympics athletes into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.