
Special Olympics
is the biggest international sport movement for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, U.S. based Special Olympics (SO) can be found in more than 170 countries around the globe today. Over 4.5 million athletes seize the wide range of training and competition opportunities.
Special Olympics competitions are held all around the world, including local, national and regional competitions, adding up to more than 108,000 events a year. Like the International Paralympic Committee, the Special Olympics organization is recognized by the International Olympic Committee; however, unlike the Paralympic Games, Special Olympics World Games are not held in the same year or in conjunction with the Olympic Games.
The Special Olympics World Games, which alternate between summer and winter games are held every two years.
Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan postponed to January 2023.
www.specialolympics.org
-
Team USA Speed Skating 2017 ©Special Olympics Team USA Speed Skating 2017 ©Special Olympics
-
Aleksandr Ivanov (RUS) compete in Figure Skating ©Special Olympics Aleksandr Ivanov (RUS) compete in Figure Skating ©Special Olympics
-
Yi Hsuan Tseng (TPE) and Rachna (IND) compete in Short Track Speed Skating ©Special Olympics Yi Hsuan Tseng (TPE) and Rachna (IND) compete in Short Track Speed Skating ©Special Olympics
-
Speed Skating, World Winter Games Austria 2017 ©Special Olympics Speed Skating, World Winter Games Austria 2017 ©Special Olympics
https://www.isu.org/short-track/events/special-olympics-short-track#sigProId83efaf2523
ISU Disclaimer: "The ISU noticed that the applicable Rules for Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating events at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017 are not in line/up to date with the ISU Regulations. In particular but not limited to, the ISU noticed that the safety standards are below the ISU standards which for Short Track Speed Skating are outlined in ISU Communication No. 1726 for Paddings and ISU Communication No. 1265 for Cut Resistant Clothing. While the ISU understands that considering the special group of Skaters involved, the applicable Rules may vary from the ISU Rules, the ISU nevertheless rejects any responsibility whatsoever related to the Special Olympics World Winter Games safety conditions. It is the responsibility of the organizers and participating athletes to establish the necessary safety measures and to ensure that the athletes can compete safely."
■ Related News
■ Social Media Hub
International Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance Competitions for the season 2023/24
The International Skating Union (ISU) is pleased to announce that the International Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance Competitions for the season 2023/24 have been published.
Hot Off the Ice: Skaters updates
The off-season does not mean that the Skaters are just on vacation. Besides summer training and making new programs, there are a lot of things going on in the skating world. Let’s see what has happened in the past few weeks.
Olympic Speed Skating Champion Terry McDermott (USA) dies at 82
The Speed Skating community sadly lost an Olympic champion. On Saturday, May 20 2023, Richard “Terry” McDermott (USA) passed away at age 82. McDermott won 500m gold at the 1964 Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck (AUT), and was inducted into the US Speed Skating Hall of Fame in 1977. Terry is also famous for his television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show during which the Beatles pop band was also invited.
Chan/Howe (USA) on a mission to inspire diversity among future Skaters’ generations
Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe, American Pair Skaters with Asian heritage, praise Figure Skating for being a safe space for inclusion.