Special Olympics Arizona

Special Olympics Arizona's mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Today, Special Olympics Arizona is extremely grateful to be involved in Arizona Gives Day! With 21 sports offered and over 400 events a year, SOAZ is thankful to be able to serve 20,500+ athletes across the state. Special Olympics Arizona works both through and beyond sports to highlight ability and break down barriers and stereotypes, including programs in inclusive health and leadership offered in partnership with schools and communities throughout Arizona.

Help us reach our fundraising goal, or make a tax-deductible donation that will go directly to local Special Olympics Arizona teams who are committed to training, awareness and inclusion for those living with IDDs. 

Testimonials

I GOT INVOLVED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS WHEN I WAS A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL. I PLAYED UNIFIED BASKETBALL AND RAN IN UNIFIED TRACK.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU COME FROM, OR WHAT YOU CAN OR CAN'T DO. EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE SHOWN KINDNESS AND TO FEEL THE LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE THAT COMES WITH INCLUSION. INCLUSION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS BREAKING DOWN THE MOLD AND EXCEPTION OF PERFECTION. WHEN EVERYONE IS INCLUDED THEN EVERYONE WINS. INCLUSION IS ACCEPTANCE, INCLUSION IS KINDNESS, INCLUSION IS NECESSARY AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA STRIVES TO TEACH THE COMMUNITY THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION.
BRITTANY AYERS, UNIFIED ATHLETE AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA COACH

Special Olympics is important to me because it has helped me build confidence in my abilities and I have made tons of friends. Mentors and coaches I have met throughout the years have taught me a lot of lessons about where to go with my life and to become successful. Being a leader in the community is important to me because you get to see others succeed and that makes me happy along with fact of making things enjoyable for everyone all around. It's a big part of my life and has helped me with a lot of things in my life in a good way.
Carla Simon, Special Olympics Arizona athlete