Special Olympics

May marks both Water Safety Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, two areas that are central to the mission of the Michael Phelps Foundation. We are committed to expanding access to water safety education while also supporting mental wellness. Two things that are both essential to helping individuals build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills which help them thrive in and out of the water. Through our IM program, developed in partnership with Nemours Children's Health and delivered alongside organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics, we integrate water safety, healthy living, goal setting, and mental wellness to create a lasting impact. Throughout the month, we will be sharing insights, resources, and stories that reflect this work and the communities we serve. #WaterSafetyMonth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MPF

We are excited to share that Special Olympics renewed a five-year MOU with our partners at Henry Schein during the Thrive Live conference in Las Vegas. 🤝🎉 As part of the event, Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Dr. Dimitri Christakis, joined Special Olympics NV athlete Paul Brooks Jr., in accepting a generous $125,000 donation to support Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, including the dental discipline, Special Olympics Special Smiles®. Dr. Christakis shared: “For the past eight years, Henry Schein’s support has been instrumental in expanding Special Smiles and strengthening our ability to provide accessible oral health screenings. Oral health is fundamental to overall health, yet people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are less likely to receive regular dental care than the general population. Through Special Smiles, we are working together to close this gap and improve health outcomes for athletes.” #InclusiveHealth #ChooseToInclude

There’s a new cheer for anyone ready to be an includer: “look, listen, lock!” The great panthers of Bush Hill Elementary showed it off together with their amazing unified sports skills. Don’t doubt that young Americans and their teachers and families can make our country more just and more joyful. They’re already doing exactly that! #youthsportsweek #takebacksport #ChooseToInclude

“It’s just a reminder of all the great things going on in our country. Kids are growing up in a whole new world. They’re playing together, they’re learning to see each other as kids, not as labels.” - Timothy Shriver We’re seeing that vision come to life at Bush Hill Elementary School in Alexandria, recently recognized for the second time as a National Unified Champion School by #SpecialOlympics, and on the ESPN honor roll. This distinction reflects more than a program; it represents a sustained commitment to creating a culture in which inclusion is embedded in everyday experiences. “It’s really exciting,” shared Principal Mary Duffy. “We’re just so proud of our students, our staff, and our whole school community.” This is what leadership looks like in action: Building environments rooted in belonging Empowering students to lead with empathy Creating communities where everyone is seen and valued 👉 Read more from High School on Sports Illustrated https://brnw.ch/21x26L4 Special Olympics Virginia, Inc. | Minute Media #youthsportsweek #takebacksport #ChooseToInclude

Happy Fitness & Sport Month! 💪 All throughout May we’re highlighting the power of sport to support athlete health, fitness, and performance, and sharing practical ways for coaches to build fitness into practice. Register using the links below! 📅 Coach Workshop Series 1: Thursday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. EDT: https://brnw.ch/21x26o4 🏆 eLearning Plan Challenge: Coaches are already adding their names to the finisher list and helping their Regions climb the leaderboard. Join today: https://brnw.ch/21x26o3 #FitnessAndSportMonth #InclusiveHealth #CoachEducation #ChooseToInclude

Confidence builds when you're supported by those around you. That's why Gallagher is a proud partner of Special Olympics International and the 2026 USA Games. #CallingAllChampions #2026USAGames Special Olympics 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

50 DAYS OUT!!!! We’re officially 50 days away from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and it’s time to show up for the athletes! We are looking for volunteers to fill roles in the fields of hospitality, operations, sports and more! Be a part of something life changing! Sign up for a volunteer role today: https://lnkd.in/giyhHEet

We’re still practicing the delivery, but the message stands: with the right opportunities, anything IS possible! “Love on the Spectrum” cast member Dani Bowman shares how her animation dreams became Danimation’s reality. The second part of #NovieKnows with Dani and “Love on the Spectrum” Director/Executive Producer Cian O'Clery is out Saturday! #ChooseToInclude #LoveOnTheSpectrum