Special Olympics athletes, organization leaders, Unified Sports partners, family members, and supporters from across the United States will engage virtually on February 10 and 11 for Special Olympics’ annual “Capitol Hill Day.”

This is the 19th year Special Olympics has organized the event, which includes over 500 delegates representing 48 states, and is being held for the first time 100% virtually. Additionally, supporters are rallying virtually to contact their Members of Congress through a VoterVoice campaign to ask for continued support of Special Olympics.

Typically, Special Olympics U.S. Programs travel to Washington, D.C. each February to meet with their state’s Members of Congress in person. However, due to COVID-19, all meetings will be held virtually for Capitol Hill Day 2021.

Special Olympics athletes, serving as self-advocates, will educate lawmakers and their staff about the stigma faced by people with ID, and how high-impact and cost-effective Special Olympics programming in sports, health, and education can reduce discrimination. The advocates will also request continued support from legislators for evidence-based programming that benefits all Americans, regardless of ability.

Special Olympics Virginia will have 3 athletes as representatives for their meetings with Virginia Members of Congress.