Mission
Special Olympics is a year-round international program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The program gives Virginia's athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. By using sport as a vehicle for social change, Special Olympics Virginia strives to create opportunities for meaningful interaction and self discovery for everyone. The organization’s goal is to open the heart and mind of every Virginian to the value and ability of persons with intellectual disabilities.

Goal
To help bring all persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. This only occurs when the community has genuine interaction with our athletes, and opens their hearts and minds to a more inclusive society.



State Games
Special Olympics Virginia hosts nearly 2,000 area and local competitions each year, as well as six state-level competitions. Special Olympics also holds numerous fundraisers throughout the state each year, including the Polar Plunge, the Plane Pull and the year-round Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The six state-level competitions are as follows:

Alpine Skiing Championships January, Wintergreen	Summer Games June, Richmond (bowling, powerlifting, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field)
Winter Championships January, Northern VA (figure and speed skating, bowling and gymnastics)	Golf Championships August, Richmond
Basketball Championships March, Stafford County (full court, half court and individual skills)	Fall Championships November, Virginia Beach (roller skating, soccer, bowling, volleyball, bocce, golf)
Also, international competitions take place every two years and alternate between the Winter and Summer Special Olympics World Games.
The annual Special Olympics Virginia state-level fundraisers are below:
Polar Plunge February, Virginia Beach	Trivia Challenge April, Northern Virginia
Winning Spirit Golf Classic April, Richmond	Law Enforcement Torch Run June, Richmond
Over the Edge May, Roanoke	Plane Pull September, Northern Virginia

The Spirit of Special Olympics:
Skill, Courage, Sharing, Joy.

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