Happy October!

I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your support of Special Olympics not only powers our global inclusion movement but also transforms the lives of our athletes in your state and your community. We’re grateful for you every day.

Right now, fall sports are in full swing for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) in your state and around the country, and I’m excited to share behind-the-scenes news from the exciting world of Special Olympics…

I recently sat down with Special Olympics Global Ambassador and the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, for a wide-ranging and inspiring exclusive interview. 

We were honored to be joined by Michael’s wife, Nicole, as we highlighted our longtime partnership with the Michael Phelps Foundation, as well as dynamite Special Olympics Arizona athlete Ronny Jones. 

What inspires Michael Phelps to be so involved with Special Olympics? I asked him. Hear his answer and watch the full interview now →

Do you have Hulu or Disney+? Don’t miss PATRICE: The Movie, a heartwarming, funny, and ultimately galvanizing look at one woman’s unlikely journey finding love and fighting for what’s right. 

Patrice Jetter has been a New Jersey school crossing guard, designer and artist, advocate for other people with disabilities, and celebrated Special Olympics athlete. And then, in her late 50s, she fell in love and wanted to get married – only to face the harsh reality that people with disabilities who choose to marry can lose access to their government benefits.

PATRICE: The Movie is an inventive documentary, touching romantic comedy, and powerful examination of the next frontier in marriage equality. Learn more about the film and watch the trailer →

I’m thrilled to share an op-ed I wrote last month for Time. It is about the potential for emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make learning for students with ID vastly more inclusive and tailored to their unique needs – a seismic turning point in special education.   

To be clear, there are legitimate concerns about the arrival of such revolutionary technology in our classrooms and lives. But I am hopeful that we can seize this moment to help close persisting gaps in education, expand social and academic opportunities, and ensure every student with ID reaches their highest potential. 

Read my op-ed about unlocking the possibilities of inclusive AI technology in schools →

I hope you’ll watch and read more about our millions-strong inclusion revolution in the stories above. Let me say again how much it means to our athletes, Special Olympics families around the world, and me to have you in our corner. 

Finally: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Special Olympics exists to give people with ID the chances not only to play sports and win medals but also to gain confidence, get healthy, and become leaders off the field. 

We are SO proud every time a brave athlete becomes a hard-working employee. If you’d like to contribute financially to the life-changing work of Special Olympics for the very first time, consider making a compassionate donation this October.

All my best,

Tim Shriver Chairman of the Board Special Olympics