Mission: Special Olympics Louisiana began in 1968 when 11 athletes from Belle Chasse State School competed in the first International Special Olympics Games in Chicago. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all 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. Currently, more than 12,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Louisiana participate in more than 120 local competitions in the 9 areas and state-level competitions. (Less)

Special Olympics Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1973, and donations are tax-deductible.