About Special Olympics Sweden

Special Olympics is a sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities.

The movement is active in more than 190 countries, and over 5 million people participate in its programs worldwide.

In Sweden, Special Olympics is administered by the Swedish Parasport Federation.

Special Olympics was founded in 1968 in Chicago, USA.

Its founder was Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

She wanted people with intellectual disabilities to have more opportunities to participate in sports. She also wanted to change society’s attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics in Sweden

Special Olympics was introduced in Sweden in 1994.

It began as a project supported by the Swedish Inheritance Fund (Arvsfonden) and operated by FUB.

Since 2009, Special Olympics Sweden has been part of the Swedish Parasport Federation.

We use sport to help more people with intellectual disabilities become active, develop their abilities, and experience a sense of belonging.

We also strive to contribute to a society where everyone is included.

Today, approximately 10,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics programs across Sweden.

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
– Special Olympics Athlete Oath