In 2026 Special Olympics in Australia will celebrate 50 years of breaking barriers, changing perceptions and creating communities where every athlete belongs.
‘Celebrating 50 Years of Inclusion: The Next 50 Starts Here’ honours the people who have shaped this movement and the impact inclusion has had on lives across the country.
For five decades our athletes have shown what is possible when people believe in their potential. Families have found connection and support. Coaches and volunteers have opened doors to opportunity. Local communities have grown stronger through the power of sport. These stories are the heart of Special Olympics in Australia.
As we mark our anniversary year, we are inviting anyone connected to the movement to share their story. You might be an athlete whose confidence grew on the field, a parent who found a place where your child could thrive, a coach who has seen athletes discover their strengths or a volunteer who has witnessed the joy of inclusion. If Special Olympics has made a positive difference in your life, we would love to hear from you.
We have created a simple questionnaire to capture these journeys. Throughout 2026 these stories may be featured across our channels to honour our past and inspire our future.
This anniversary is more than a milestone. It is a reminder that the future of inclusion is shaped by all of us who believe in its power and live its values every day.
The next 50 years start with all of us.
