Special Olympics Oregon

Mission

Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their communities. Our long-term vision is to help bring all Oregonians with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions where they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become valued, appreciated, and productive citizens.

Bottom Line for Portland

Due to a range of systemic challenges such as prejudice, fear, and ignorance in the medical establishment, people with intellectual disabilities are one of the most medically underserved populations in the world. Participation in Special Olympics activities can provide vital access to health evaluation; in several documented cases, life-threatening conditions have been found and treated thanks to a Special Olympics medical screening or the keen observations of a concerned coach or volunteer. SOOR programs are always free for athletes so income level is never a barrier to participation, and we division our competitions so all genders, skill levels, disabilities, and ages can safely and meaningfully compete and take pride in their accomplishments.

Quote

“Special Olympics Oregon gives people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take part in something incredible… something meaningful. The sports and competitions give me the opportunity to make new lifelong friends, memories, and skills. For people such as myself, it helps to shape a life. Special Olympics Oregon [has given] me opportunities that no other organization would ever give me [and] is so valuable to me and thousands of other athletes, families and communities across Oregon.” 

          - Zach Herman, Special Olympics Oregon Athlete

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of all that we do at Special Olympics Oregon as we strive to promote unity and create a community where everyone belongs. We value, celebrate, and support all differences, backgrounds, abilities, and viewpoints. We believe that a focus on greater diversity and inclusion will enrich our organization and our world. As Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics International, explained: “Special Olympics is all about inclusion. Intellectual disabilities don’t discriminate, and neither do we. Intellectual disabilities transcend race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, and everything else that makes us human.”

Partner(s)

SOOR is grateful for support from our partners: 

Little Bird Media Solutions is a boutique marketing and PR agency delivering tailored strategies, content development, and media management for brands. 

The Plex is Portland's premier indoor sports arena. Adult soccer leagues, child development, field rentals, and more! 

Alliance Services provides one-on-one support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through personalized attendant care and other services.