Special Olympics Continues to Expand Reach and Opportunities for Athletes
The Special Olympics movement, now over five decades old, continues to grow, providing year-round sports training and athletic competition to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, the organization has expanded from a local initiative to a global phenomenon, impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of athletes, volunteers, and coaches.
Despite significant progress, the organization acknowledges a substantial unmet need to reach more individuals with intellectual disabilities. The core of this expansion remains at the local level, where volunteers directly interact with athletes, fostering a transformative experience for all involved. This grassroots approach is central to the Special Olympics’ mission of changing perceptions and celebrating the abilities of its athletes.
Programs Across the United States
Within the United States, Special Olympics programs are structured regionally, offering a diverse range of Olympic-type sports. Special Olympics Pennsylvania, for example, boasts 54 active county and city programs operating within nine distinct regions. These programs currently serve over 13,000 athletes, focusing not only on sports but also on health and leadership development. Opportunities to get involved, whether as an athlete, volunteer, or coach, are readily available.
Further west, Special Olympics Alabama and Alaska also serve as key hubs for the organization’s activities. Like Pennsylvania, these programs rely heavily on local volunteers to provide consistent training and competition opportunities. The organization emphasizes the importance of local engagement, highlighting it as the catalyst for positive change and personal growth.
Regional Breakdown in Pennsylvania
Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s structure is particularly detailed, with programs organized into nine regions: Greater Philadelphia, Greater Lehigh Valley, Pocono, Northeast, Capital Area, Susquehanna Valley, Ridge & Valley, The Wilds, and The Three Rivers Region, and Northwest Region. Each region has a Regional Executive Director overseeing operations and staff.
The Northwest Region, led by Katherine Reim, provides a detailed example of local program contacts. Clarion County’s program is coordinated by Amy Mays, reachable at PO Box 10, Clarion, PA 16214, or via email at amymmays@gmail.com. Crawford County’s program is managed by Bev Kipfer, who can be contacted at 222 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335, or b.kipfer@hotmail.com. Erie’s contact is Nicole Delsandro, reachable at ndelsandro@eriesd.org. Mercer County’s program is overseen by Edith Turcotte, available at 724-877-4401 or creedropere@gmail.com. Finally, Venango/Forest Counties and Warren County also have designated contacts within the Northwest Region.
The Wilds Region, under the direction of Pam Velasquez, similarly offers specific local program information. Centre County’s program is coordinated by Bellamarie Bregar, reachable at Box 10465, State College, PA 16805-0465, or bmbregar52@gmail.com. Clearfield County’s program is also managed by Pam Velasquez, with contact information available through the regional office.
Connecticut and Finding Local Programs
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) echoes the emphasis on local programs, coordinated by dedicated volunteers and community organizations. These local programs are responsible for recruiting, registering, and training athletes for Special Olympics competitions. SOCT provides resources to help individuals find a local program closest to them, including an interactive map on their website.
SOCT encourages those seeking involvement to fill out a form on their website, and offers contact information for those interested in starting a new local program. Marc Mercadante can be reached at
