Have you ever had the privilege of watching the Special Olympics World Games? If so, we are sure you will agree you were inspired by them. Why? Because of the amazing stories of triumph ingrained into each of the athletes.

Special Olympics athletes have so much to overcome, yet they train intensely until they reach their goals. Indeed, the Special Olympics World Games are a beacon of inspiration to Canada as well as the entire world.

The Special Olympics World Games, an “international sporting competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities,” are held every two years, rotating from summer to winter. The upcoming Games will be held in South Korea in Winter of 2013.

“No other organized event in the world has the social and emotional impact of the Special Olympics World Games.”

What social impact does the Special Olympics World Games have? The Games promote inclusion on a large scale, not just of people with disabilities, but of all people.

What about the Games’ emotional impact? Watching the “impossible” become possible before your very eyes is an emotional experience. This is what happens daily at the Special Olympics World Games events.

The most recent Special Olympics World Games took place in the Summer of 2011 in Athens, Greece.

While all Special Olympics World Games are unique and wonderful, there is something magical about the Summer Games. In 2011, the Summer Games took place in Athens, Greece.

The Games were amazing — 7,000 athletes participated in them! What’s more, these athletes represented 170 countries. The Games featured “22 Olympic-style sports.”

Read more about the Summer 2011 games at http://www.athens2011.org/en/ .

Los Angeles, CA will host the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015.

Until that time, athletes with intellectual disabilities will be training hard for the Games. Not just that, they will also be overcoming daily challenges that many others never have to think about. This makes watching the athletes compete all the more inspiring.

Are you interested in watching highlights from the Special Olympics Summer Games 2011?

If so, visit http://www.specialolympics.org/Athens_music_video_highlights.aspx to watch videos of highlights from the Games. Here you will also find information and stories about the athletes.

Take a minute today to watch a clip from a Special Olympics World Games event. What you have to gain is courage, inspiration, and determination!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Olympics_World_Games

http://www.specialolympics.org/special-olympics-world-games.aspx

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority.  Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

Let’s Talk About It

What impact have the Special Olympics World Games had on you?

What kind of obstacles do you imagine athletes with intellectual disabilities must overcome in order to participate in the World Games?