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Through the power of sport, we're changing the way people with intellectual disabilities are seen in the world.

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WELCOME TO Special Olympics Massachusetts

A More Inclusive Massachusetts,
One Game At A Time

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Imagine a place where, regardless of ability, you are met with acceptance and respect. Your unique talents are celebrated and you are empowered to chase your dreams. Hurtful stereotypes are challenged and barriers that keep you from doing what you love are shattered.

At Special Olympics Massachusetts, we’re not just imagining this world, we're building it in your neighborhood and across the Commonwealth.

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It’s kind of like the community you never knew you wanted to be a part of. Once you’re a part of it, it’s like you’re in this secret club and you never want to leave."

Said Elicia, mother of Kacey
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What do you do when you find out you are going to have a child with an intellectual disability? For Elicia, going down the internet rabbit hole and searching for what it means to have a daughter with down syndrome was the first logical step.    

“Special Olympics was one of the first things I came across, and I was excited,” she said. “I was like, there are things that we can do, and her future is so bright.”

Since the early 2000s, the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program was introduced as a non-competitive sport and play program for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. They provide a fun way of introducing healthy habits and basic motor skills to athletes in order to better prepare them for the future.

Elicia explained that while Special Olympics allows Kacey to run around and play with other kids, it has also provided her with a means of meeting other parents of children with intellectual disabilities.
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Multi-sport athletes are not uncommon at Special Olympics Massachusetts. Many athletes like to be involved with their teammates throughout the year; but what isn’t common is a multi-sport athlete who has undergone two major surgeries.    

Meet Matt Cobb, a Special Olympics athlete for the Hockomock YMCA Program. Although Matt has been involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts for 17 years, in 2015 he had to overcome a massive obstacle—one spinal cord surgery and one surgery that involved placing a metal rod in his chest. For five years, Matt was unable to compete in any contact sports.  

After a lot of physical therapy, along with hard work and determination, Matt was able to get back on the playing field. And he’s involved with Special Olympics now more than ever.

Matt ran the 2023 Boston Athletic Association 5K on the Special Olympics MA Xtra Mile Team, made the 2023 New England Revolution Unified Team, and was a team member on the 2023 Final Leg where he, a fellow athlete, and 8 officers on the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run carried the Flame of Hope across the State leading up to Summer Games.

As an athlete I’m not only given the opportunity to compete in sports, but also to be an ambassador and talk to people about my journey”

Said
Matt
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16,075

Participants

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948

Competitions

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1,189

Coaches

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495

School Partnerships

WHAT WE DO

We are changing the way the world sees people with intellectual disabilities

In every neighborhood and town statewide we offer year round sports training and competition, recreational activities and leadership programs that develop self-confidence, independence, and create a sense of belonging.

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Inspired Athletes in Action

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Athlete Spotlight
Content Squad
Gregg's Guide: Living Independently as a Special Olympics Athlete

Gregg, a Special Olympics athlete, shares his journey to independent living. He has learned about finances, home maintenance, and self-care. Despite facing challenges, he has embraced growth and hopes others can do the same.

By
Gregg Gallant
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March 18, 2025
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Athlete Spotlight
Content Squad
Jessica Lappin’s Journey of Strength, Sports, and Inclusion

Jessica Lappin overcomes challenges with strength and joy. She excels in bowling, golf, cheer, and bocce, advocates for inclusion, and shares her journey through the Special Olympics MA Content Squad.

By
Sydney Brooks
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March 10, 2025
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Family
XtraMile
Athlete Spotlight
GoGo for JoJo: Racing Toward Inclusion at the Boston 5K

JoJo Calkins is a determined 4-year-old who never lets obstacles slow her down. From adaptive sports to therapy, she’s unstoppable! Now, her family is running the 2025 Boston 5K to support Special Olympics athletes like her.

By
Ali Phaneuf
|
March 7, 2025
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Marlborough, MA 01752

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Fax: 508-481-0786

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