About us
Special Olympics Cameroon is part of a global movement that uses sport to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, and the way society sees them.
The Special Olympics movement
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Cameroon is its accredited national programme.
Sport, all year round, is at the heart of the movement. Regular training helps athletes improve, grow in confidence and make friends. On the field, they show what they can do.
In competition, athletes are placed in groups of similar ability, based on age, gender and performance. That way, everyone has a real chance of winning. And every competitor is recognised: medals for the top places, ribbons for the others.
The movement also reaches beyond sport: health screenings for athletes, programmes in schools, training that helps athletes speak up and lead, and support for families. Everywhere, the goal is the same: a society where people with intellectual disabilities are respected and fully included.
Our 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.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Our values
Inclusion
Everyone belongs, on the field and in community life. In Unified Sports, people with and without intellectual disabilities play on the same team.
Courage
As the athlete oath reminds us, being brave in the attempt is already a victory. It takes courage to step up, keep going and see it through.
Joy
Experiencing joy is part of our mission. The pleasure of playing, improving and celebrating every success is shared with teammates, families and supporters.
Respect
Every athlete is recognised for who they are and what they achieve. We respect each person’s pace, choices and voice, and we ask society to do the same.
Frequently asked questions
What is an intellectual disability?
A person with an intellectual disability finds it harder than most people to learn, understand and adapt to some everyday situations. These difficulties appear during childhood or adolescence. An intellectual disability is not an illness. Every person has their own abilities and, with the right support, can learn, progress and take a full part in community life.
Who can become a Special Olympics athlete?
Special Olympics is open to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, whatever their sporting level. Under the rule set by Special Olympics at international level, athletes can compete from the age of 8, with no upper age limit. Children aged 2 to 7 can discover sport through the Young Athletes programme. To find out how to register in Cameroon, contact Special Olympics Cameroon.
What is the difference between Special Olympics and the Paralympic Games?
They are two separate movements. The Paralympic Games bring together elite athletes with disabilities, including some with intellectual disabilities, who qualify on performance. Special Olympics is for people with intellectual disabilities, at every level. In competition, athletes are grouped with others of similar ability and every competitor is recognised. The aim is for everyone to take part, improve and be celebrated, not only the best.