Special Olympics and Paralympics

This week, the Paralympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. following the tradition of following the respective Olympic Games. The Summer Games of 1988 held in Seoul was the first time the term "Paralympic" came into official use. Many confuse Paralympics with Special Olympics.

Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Both focus on sport for athletes with disabilities and both are run by international non-profit organizations. Special Olympics and Paralympics differ in three main areas: disability categories of the athletes, criteria and philosophy of athletes participation, and organizational structure.

Special Olympics welcomes all athletes, 8 and older, with intellectual disabilities of all ability levels, to train and compete in 30 Olympic-type sports. To be eligible, athletes must have an intellectual disability; a cognitive delay, or a development disability. They may also have a physical disability. Paralympics welcomes athletes from six main disability categories: amputee, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, visually impaired, spinal injuries, and Les Autres  (includes conditions that do not fall into the other categories).

Special Olympics believes deeply in the power of sports to help all who participate to fulfill their potential and does not exclude any athlete based upon qualifying scores, but divisions the athletes based on scores for fair competition against others of like ability. Special Olympics believes athletes’ excellence is personal achievement and reaching one's maximum potential. To participate in the Paralympic Games, athletes must fulfill certain criteria and meet certain qualifying standards in order to be eligible. These criteria and standards are sports-specific.

Paralympics focuses on highest qualified based on performance. Special Olympics focuses on all ability levels and is committed to inclusion, acceptance, and dignity for all.