2022 will soon be coming to a close. As I reflect back on another incredible year at Special Olympics, I am struck by the growing strength of this movement: more than 5 million athletes, almost 1 million coaches and volunteers, tens of thousands of competitions each year, and programs in more than 200 countries and jurisdictions. 

And of course, no part of this movement would be possible without Special Olympics supporters like you.

This movement of inclusion has changed the lives of so many people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in your community and around the world. It’s brought people out of isolation and into a world of inclusion. It’s opened hearts and minds to new possibilities. It’s a movement that spreads joy to athletes, their families, coaches, volunteers, Unified partners, and fans everywhere. 

Special Olympics is a bright light of hope, especially in difficult times, that brings people together – and this year was no different. Consider just a few highlights from this year:

• In February, Special Olympics held its annual Capitol Hill Day when more than 400 delegates from across the country met with members of Congress to share their stories and the importance of our mission of inclusion. 
• In June, thousands of athletes gathered in Orlando to show off their talents, both on and off the field, at the USA Games. The USA Games are always an exciting time, but it was also a marker of the roaring comeback Special Olympics has made after months of virtual events. 
• Later in the summer, soccer players with and without ID came together in Detroit, Michigan for the 2022 Unified Cup – and showed what’s possible when everyone is included.

I cannot express how proud I am to be part of this movement – and that each and every day my mother’s vision of a more inclusive world is becoming a reality thanks to supporters like you.

As we look forward to 2023, all of us here at Special Olympics are eager to get to work to spread this movement for inclusion even further, with you by our side. 

Thank you for all you do for Special Olympics, and happy holidays!