It takes a community to make Fall Championships happen. Be the reason an athlete smiles this weekend.
                
            
            
                
                    
                
            
        
Our largest state-wide fundraiser is BACK! Go For The Cold and register today. 
                
            
            
                
                    
                
            
        
Our new online form makes it simple for current and new athletes to register each year.
                
            
            
                
                    
                
            
        
Promoviendo la inclusión y el deporte en Virginia para personas con discapacidades intelectuales.
                
            
            
                
                    
                
            
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Stay in Touch
Get the latest updates from Special Olympics Virginia sent right to your inbox!About Us
Special Olympics is a movement built on inclusion, where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. We are helping make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place through the power of sport.- 
                    
                
                    Our Mission 
                
            
    
        
Special Olympics Virginia’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities, giving them 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.  - 
                    
                
                    Meet Our Team 
                
            
    
        
Our Richmond headquarters houses the majority of our staff, as well as our administrative functions. Seven regional offices located across the state are dedicated to supporting Special Olympics Virginia programs and volunteers within their community: Richmond, Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, Newport News, and Blacksburg.  - 
                    
                
                    Our Partners 
                
            
    
        
Active across the state, reaching more than 30,000 athletes and volunteers, Special Olympics is a movement that changes lives. The secret that many community leaders, CEOs and local celebrities who lend their support to Special Olympics know is that by helping to raise awareness and funds for the movement, they benefit, too. 
Want to join them? Fill out our Partner Inquiry Form and we will be in touch. - 
                    
                
                    Law Enforcement Torch Run
                
            
    
        
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Virginia unites officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state to raise more than a million dollars annually. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open our Summer Games in Richmond.  - Español
 
Become An Athlete
Special Olympics Virginia organizes and runs year-round athletic training and nearly 2,000 competitions each year for athletes of all ages at no cost to our participants. Whether your interest is competitive or social in nature, we want you on our team.Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. They bring out the champion in every Special Olympics athlete.Become a Coach
Our coaches work closely with athletes and Unified partners to provide top-notch athletic instruction and serve as leaders, mentors, and role models. - 
                    
                
                    Our Mission 
                
            
    
        
 
Find Special Olympics Near You
            Special Olympics Virginia is made up of 32 Area programs, organized into nine regions. Connect with your local program to get involved.
        
        
        
        
    
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
    
        
        
    
In the News
                
            
            
                
                    In every corner of the state, Special Olympics Virginia is changing lives. 
                
            
        Nathon Horton Found His Voice and Is Using It for Others
As the only athlete on Special Olympics Virginia’s Board of Directors, Nathon is making sure athlete voices stay connected to every decision. From the court to the boardroom, he's leading with lived experience - powered by Davis and Green
        
        
            3 Min Read
        
    Virginia Shines at the 2025 SONA Tennis & Pickleball Championship
Special Olympics Virginia athletes and Unified partners brought home multiple golds and strong finishes during three days of competition in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
        
        
            1 Min Read
        
    Five Virginia Schools Earn 2025 National Banner Recognition
Five schools across the Commonwealth honored as 2025 National Banner Unified Champion Schools.
        
        
            1 Min Read
        
    Our Reach
                
            
            
                
            
        23,701
Athletes & Partners
        
    160
Competitions
        
    6,837
Volunteers
        
    259
Athlete Leaders
        
    9,107
Youth Leaders
        
    628
Unified Schools 
        
    Special Thanks to Our Legend Sponsors
                
            
            
                
            
        - 103.7 Play
 - ABLEnow
 - Hardee's
 - Booz Allen Hamilton
 - Classic Rock 96.5
 - GEICO
 - Sports 106.1
 - K95
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                    Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia
                
            
    
        
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Virginia unites officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state to raise more than a million dollars annually. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open our Summer Games in Richmond.  - Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
 - savers
 - Sheetz
 - 100.9 Jack FM
 - 106.9 The FOX
 - FM99
 - United Airlines
 - University of Richmond
 - Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
 - Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
 - Virginia Department of Corrections
 - Virginia Association of Regional Jails
 - Virginia Sheriff's Assocation
 - Knights of Columbus Virginia State Council
 - Virginia Tourism Corporation
 - Wawa
 - WTKR News 3