Special Olympics believes that –
• People with Intellectual Disability can, with proper instruction and encouragements, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.
• Consistent training is essential to the development of sports skills.
Competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of providing incentives for personal growth. Sports training and competition strengthen and benefits people with Intellectual Disability physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. They also help their families and the community at large, both through participation and observation.
• This philosophy is reflected in the Special Olympics oath -
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
• Special Olympics aims to provide the most enjoyable, beneficial and challenging activities for athletes with Intellectual Disability, and help bring them into the social mainstream under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become more productive citizens.
Towards this, it encourages its more capable athletes to move from Special Olympics training and competition into school and community programmes where they can compete in regular sports activities.