Alabama Special Olympics Inc

**The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities.**

Special Olympians and partners live by the oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

"I have been a part of Special Olympics for many years. It started out by just doing something that my mom had us participate in, but as I grew up and realized what it was all about, it was fun. Working with Special Olympians changes the way you look at life. Sure, like any human, they get down, but their outlook on life is inspiring. Instead of inspiring them, I think more of them inspired me. There is always joy in their hearts and on their faces. They enjoy every second of their day - you rarely see anything but happiness in them and that reflects in your own attitude. Participating in Special Olympics now is a life-changing event, creating more joy and happiness in my own life than I feel like I do for them. They're the best people to be around and always create an uplifting, inspirational, great time!" - Jessie Baker