People of all ages are joining the Special Olympics.
They get a better condition, more self confidence and are being respected by their family, friends and the public.
Every participant can join the games on his own level.

Number of sports.
Special Olympics offers 26 official and well-known summer and winter sports.
The summer sports are: athletics, basketball, bowls, weightlifting, golf, gymnastics, horse riding, roller-skating, softball, tennis, soccer, cycling and swimming.
The winter sports are: skiing, figure skating, cross-country skiing, ice hockey and ice-skating.
Besides these sports, every country has his own special sports.
For instance in the Netherlands we have handball.
These are not an official Olympic sports but are allowed to join the games.

Differences with the Paralympics
Special Olympics is not the same as the Paralympics.
All people who are handicapped can join the Paralympics.
People who are physically or mentally disabled.
The Special Olympics are meant only for people who are mentally disabled.