Summary
Organization name
Special Olympics Colorado
other names
SOCO
1969
Tax id (EIN)
84-0713739
Category
Human Services
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
Special Olympics Colorado 3033 S Parker Road 12th FloorAurora, CO 80014
CO, US
Fund a Young Athlete for One Year
Right now, you can change what a Young Athlete’s entire year looks like for $22 a month.
Children with intellectual disabilities are three times more likely to be excluded from sports and physical activity than their peers. And for many families, especially those navigating a new diagnosis, finding a place where their child belongs can feel impossible... that’s where you come in.
A monthly gift of $22 fully funds a year of sports, health, and community for a Special Olympics athlete, and during Youth Sports Giving Day every donation is matched 1:1 from September 1 - 15.
What’s Possible in a Year:
Nathan, Age 10
Nathan competes in 6 different sports throughout the year including gymnastics, T-Ball, soccer, basketball, and swimming at no cost to his family. At one of his competitions, he attended a Healthy Athlete screening and learned he had a heart murmur, which gave his mom validation and a clear path forward.
Nova, Age 8
Before Nova found Special Olympics, she was enrolled in sports programs that simply couldn’t meet her needs or support her medical challenges. Since joining SOCO, she’s blossomed into a fierce competitor, now thriving in basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball!
Fund an Athlete. Fuel a Future.
Mission
The mission of Special Olympics Colorado 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 the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Background Statement
Throughout history, people with intellectual disabilities (ID) have suffered from the worst forms of abuse, discrimination, and have been denied basic human needs - connection, health and hope for a better life. In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver took a stand against injustices faced by people with ID and fought for inclusion, through the creation of Special Olympics. In 1969, Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) joined in her fight to advocate and create lifelong opportunities for youth and adults with ID by combating complacency, ignorance and stigma through unique programs.
Now, over 50 years later, SOCO still provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with ID, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Aurora, CO 80014