Run for Special Olympics Great Britain
When you run for Special Olympics Great Britain, you’re not just taking on a personal challenge — you’re helping transform lives through sport, connection, and opportunity.
Special Olympics GB supports children and adults with an intellectual disability to take part in sport in their communities all year round. For many of our athletes, this is more than competition. It’s friendship. Confidence. Purpose. A place where they belong.
Why it matters
There are around 1.5 million people with an intellectual disability in Great Britain — yet many still face daily barriers to inclusion.
- People with an intellectual disability are almost twice as likely to be inactive as the general population
- 77% of young disabled adults (in the 18-34 age group) feel lonely (Sense, 2017)
- 95% of adults with an intellectual disability are not in paid employment
- Social isolation, poor physical and mental health, and low confidence are still common realities.
Sport can change that.
Through regular training, competition, and social opportunities, our athletes build:
- Confidence and independence
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Communication and social skills
- Friendships that extend far beyond the sports field
What your fundraising achieves
The money you raise helps Special Olympics GB deliver life-changing opportunities across the country — including supporting athletes and volunteers to take part in our National Summer Games, the UK’s largest multi-sport event for people with an intellectual disability.
Your fundraising helps us:
- Provide year-round training and competition in local communities
- Remove financial barriers so athletes can take part, regardless of circumstance
- Train and support coaches and volunteers
- Deliver the National Summer Games — a moment of pride, achievement, and celebration for thousands of athletes and their families
For many athletes, the Games are the highlight of their sporting journey — a chance to represent their region, build confidence, and show just how far they’ve come.
What you get when you run for us
When you choose to run for Special Olympics GB, you’ll receive:
- A bespoke running tshirt designed by our athletes
- Dedicated fundraising support from our team
- Tools and guidance to help you reach your target
- The knowledge that every step you take is creating real, lasting impact
You’ll be running for inclusion.
For confidence.
For opportunity.
For athletes who deserve the same chances as everyone else.
Run for Special Olympics GB. Transform lives through sport.