Special Olympics Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, fostering inclusion, and promoting dignity and respect. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the organization envisions a world where every person, regardless of ability, is accepted and welcomed.

Primary Focus and Industry Significance

As the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics provides year-round training and competitions across 32 Olympic-style sports. With over 5 million participants in 204 countries and territories, the organization plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and challenging societal perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Athletic Empowerment: Offer comprehensive sports training and competitive opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Health Initiatives: Implement programs like Healthy Athletes to address and improve health disparities among participants.

Educational Outreach: Promote awareness and understanding through initiatives that educate the public and foster inclusive communities.

Areas of Specialization

Unified Sports: Integrate athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to promote social inclusion.

Young Athletes Program: Engage children aged 2–7 in activities that develop motor skills and social interaction.

Primary Markets

Special Olympics operates globally, with significant presence in regions including Africa, Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Europe-Eurasia, the Americas, and the Middle East-North Africa.

Financials and Funding

Revenue and Expenses

2023 Fiscal Year:

Revenue: $152 million

Expenses: $161 million

Net Assets: $120 million

Funding Sources

Contributions: Approximately 93.9% of total revenue, amounting to $142.9 million.

Program Services: $5 million

Investment Income: $5.1 million

Utilization of Funds

Funds are allocated towards program services, administrative expenses, and fundraising activities, ensuring the organization's mission is effectively pursued.

Pipeline Development

Key Programs

Healthy Athletes Initiative: Provides health screenings in areas such as podiatry, physical therapy, audiology, and vision.

Unified Robotics: Pairs Special Olympics athletes with peers to build robots, promoting technological skills and inclusion.

Upcoming Events

2025 World Winter Games: Scheduled in Turin, Italy, marking the first time Italy will host the event.

2027 World Summer Games: Planned for Santiago, Chile, the first time the Games will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Special Olympics leverages digital platforms to manage athlete data, event scheduling, and volunteer coordination, enhancing operational efficiency.

Scientific Methodologies

The organization employs evidence-based health screening protocols in its Healthy Athletes program, ensuring accurate assessments and interventions.

Leadership Team

Mary Davis: Chief Executive Officer

Background: Appointed CEO in 2016, Davis has been instrumental in expanding global outreach and enhancing program offerings.

Timothy Shriver: Chairman of the Board

Background: Son of founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, he has been a leading advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Loretta Claiborne: Vice Chair

Background: A Special Olympics athlete and advocate, Claiborne brings firsthand experience to the leadership team.

Leadership Changes

In 2016, Mary Davis became the first CEO from outside the U.S., reflecting the organization's commitment to global representation.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector focusing on individuals with disabilities is characterized by organizations offering various services, from sports and recreation to health and education.

Competitor Analysis

Make-A-Wish Foundation: Focuses on granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.

Easterseals: Provides services to individuals with disabilities, including therapy and employment support.

United Cerebral Palsy: Offers support and services to individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Special Olympics collaborates with various organizations to enhance its programs:

Hear the World Foundation: Partnered to provide hearing screenings during World Games.

FIRST Robotics: Collaborated on Unified Robotics, promoting STEM education among athletes.

Operational Insights

Special Olympics' global reach and comprehensive programs distinguish it from competitors. Its focus on sports as a means of inclusion and empowerment provides a unique value proposition.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The organization aims to expand its Unified Sports programs, increase health initiatives, and strengthen global partnerships to further its mission of inclusion and empowerment.