Attention Media

Media Contact

  • David Norris
  • Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
  • dnorris@sotx.org

Quick Facts About SOTX

Photos (from 2022 Summer Games) 

MEDIA MAY USE ABOVE PHOTOS  IN COVERAGE

Branding Guidelines

See our more detailed branding guidelines, but the list below provides the basic guidelines for terminology.

  • Say Special Olympics Texas athletes instead of Olympians.
  • Refer to us as Special Olympics Texas (without “the” or “of”).
  • Say Special Olympics Texas athletes.  

Vision

It is our vision to become the premier provider of Special Olympics training and competition in the world. We approach each endeavor with a single intent - to improve the quality of life for our athletes. The challenges of the future are embraced with enthusiasm and commitment, ensuring that the changing face and needs of our athletes are met.

Mission

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Participants

Special Olympics Texas is divided into four regions with 19 area offices. Athletes may begin training as early as six years old, but must be eight years old to compete. Athletes must be 12 years old to attend statewide competitions. Thanks to the Young Athletes Program (YAP), which launched in 2005, children ages two through seven can participate as an “Athlete in Training” in areas where the program is available.

SOTX Talking Points

Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.

SOTX provides year-round trainings and competitions for more than 58,880 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state. In Texas, there are more than 40,000 Special Olympics Texas volunteers.

More than 300 competitions are held annually on area, regional and state levels.

SOTX offers competition in 22 different sports, including: aquatics, athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, equestrian, figure skating, flag football, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, powerlifting, roller skating, sailing, soccer, softball, speed skating, table tennis, tennis, triathlon and volleyball.

There are currently more than 4,000 certified Special Olympics Texas coaches, and more than 40,000 volunteers dedicate their time to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams.