Special Olympics Ohio
Who We Are: For more than 50 years, Special Olympics Ohio has been building an inclusive movement to breakdown barriers and end discrimination against those with intellectual disabilities through sports, education, health, and leadership. Special Olympics Ohio empowers athletes to discover new strengths, abilities, skills, and successes. Special Olympics athletes inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts and minds to a wider world of human talents and potential.
What We Do: Special Olympics Ohio provides sports training and competition in 19 different sports, in addition to health services, social opportunities, inclusive events, and fitness activities for nearly 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes are able to train, compete, and advance to higher levels of competition year-round free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.
Why We’re Important: Special Olympics Ohio uses sports as the catalyst to fight for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of life, from healthcare to education to social opportunities. At sporting events people with intellectual disabilities receive direct access to wellness resources and professionals, while being given the opportunity to focus on physical fitness. Competing in inclusive sports allows our athletes to gain confidence, develop new skills, and experience joy.
How We Impact the Community: Special Olympics Ohio brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together to see and take part in the transformative power of sports. We provide educational experiences for coaches, volunteers, and teachers to enhance their knowledge and show them how the Special Olympics experience can transcend all aspects of their lives. In addition to sports and education, we provide health resources and free health screenings to people with intellectual disabilities who may not have access to healthcare.
How You Can Help: Every year, over 9,000 dedicated volunteers devote their time, talent, and energy to our athletes. You can empower people with intellectual disabilities by coaching a team, keeping time at a competition, assisting with fundraising, or becoming a unified partner. Get involved with Special Olympics Ohio by contacting mmodene@sooh.org or visit our website to view upcoming opportunities: sooh.org.
Connect with Special Olympics Ohio
3303 Winchester Pike
Columbus, OH 43232
(614) 239-7050
Executive Director: Jessica Stewart
Email: jstewart@sooh.org
Chief Development Officer: Christine Hoyer
Email: choyer@sooh.org
Board Chair: Geoffrey Kunkler
