Special olympics

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded Special Olympics Inc. $38 million on September 1, 2026, under the Special Education - Special Olympics Education Programs (CFDA 84.380) Project Grant.

The funding supports activities to promote the expansion of Special Olympics and the design and implementation of Special Olympics education programs, including character education and volunteer programs that integrate into classroom instruction and align with academic content standards. Programs target individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Inc. distributes sub-grants to over 50 state and local Special Olympics chapters to implement nationwide programming including the Unified Champion Schools program, which partners students with and without intellectual disabilities in sports teams and leadership roles, along with unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement activities.

The award obligates $38 million with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. Place of performance is Washington, DC 20036. Special Olympics Inc. is the sole eligible recipient under the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004.