Special Olympics Nigeria

About Us

Who We Are

2001: The Beginning of Special Olympics Nigeria

Special Olympics Nigeria is an affiliate of Special Olympics International a global non-profit organization created by the Joseph P. Kennedy foundation. Although incorporated in 2003, Special Olympics Nigeria took off in January 2001. She held her formal launch on Tuesday 6th December, 2005 at the sports complex of the University of Lagos, Akoka. The purpose of the launch was to bring Special Olympics opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Nigerian society. It introduced Special Olympics Nigeria to the Nigerian society by displaying the abilities possessed by its athletes to break the barrier of cultural inhibitions as regards the issue of intellectual disability in the Nigerian society.

Today: Building an Inclusive World

Today, Special Olympics Nigeria is spread across 28 states in 5 out of the 6 geopolitical zones of the country-South West, South East, South South, North Central and North West with over 26, 000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities participating in year round training and competition in 10 Olympic-type Sports; Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Football (Soccer), Floor Ball, Floor Hockey, Swimming (Aquatics), Table-tennis and Volleyball. As a non-profit organization, Special Olympics Nigeria does not charge a fee, participation is free and open to all. Special Olympics Nigeria has participated in 5 Special Olympics World Summer Games (Ireland, China, Greece, USA, and UAE) and 2 Special Olympics World Winter Games (South Korea and Austria). Special Olympics Nigeria is governed by a fourteen-man board, chaired by Mr. Victor G. Osibodu.

Our Mission

the mission of special olympics

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.

Our vision

the vision of special olympics

To transform communities by inspiring people through the joy of sport, to open their minds, accept, include and value people with intellectual disability and therefore unite people in a shared believe of a more inclusive world.

Who We Are

Special Olympics Nigeria is an affiliate of Special Olympics International, a global non-profit organization created by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. We change lives by driving the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities (special needs) into society.