Special Olympics

Our Mission

Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These opportunities help participants develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other athletes, and the community.

About Special Olympics

Since its founding in 1968, Special Olympics has become a global leader in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through:

Unified Activities: Promoting family participation in sports.
Young Athlete Programs: Introducing children aged 2–7 to sports.
Athlete Leadership Program: Teaching public speaking and job skills.
Healthy Athlete Program: Providing the world’s largest public health initiative for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Competitions begin locally and progress through Area, District, Regional, and State levels annually. Every four years, USA Games and World Games bring athletes together on a global stage.

Missouri Knights’ Commitment

The Missouri Knights of Columbus are proud to serve as an Official Statewide Sponsor of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO), with an annual $75,000 commitment. These funds support SOMO’s Indoor, Summer, and Outdoor State Games.

Councils are recognized for their contributions through Gold, Silver, or Bronze level supporter designations, based on their volunteer hours and financial donations.

Designate Turnaround Funds

Councils can designate their turnaround funds from the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Drive (Tootsie Roll Drive) directly to SOMO. This is a powerful way to support this life-changing program.

Supreme Council Matching Funds

The Supreme Council offers each state matching funds based on donations and volunteer time recorded on the Form 10784 Fraternal Program Reports Form. Even if your council did not support SOMO this year, please complete and return the form to help Missouri qualify for matching funds. The form is provided to every council and can also be submitted online at the Form 10784 Link.