Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community. We aim to build a culture that accepts and welcomes every single person regardless of ability or disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.

Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) offers year-round training and competition in 16 Olympic-type sports for people with and without intellectual disabilities, health screenings and wellness programs, leadership programs, and school programs focusing on inclusion, sports, and leadership. 

With a focus on growing the reach of SOMN's mission, maintaining quality standards, and delivering the full benefits of the Special Olympics Movement to every athlete, student, volunteer, and family member, SOMN's 40-person staff organizes and hosts more than 125 competitions, trainings, screenings, and fundraisers every year while also recruiting, training, and supporting hundreds of volunteers 

Mission

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

Values

• Respect – Valuing and accepting human differences and the unique abilities of all people in our communities
• Accomplishment – Celebrating the fulfillment of individual potential
• Choice – Providing opportunities for self-determination
• Quality – Striving for excellence in all we do
• Partnership – Achieving more than we can alone by collaborating with others
• Integrity – Fostering a culture based on the highest standards of personal and professional principles