About Special Olympics Bharat:
- It is a National Sports Federation registered under the Indian Trust Act 1882 in 2001 and is accredited by Special Olympics International to conduct Special Olympics Programs in India.
- It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India as a National Sports Federation in the Priority Category, for development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
- It is a designated Nodal Agency for all disabilities on account of its national presence and experience, especially in rural areas which account for nearly 75 per cent of the disabled population in India.
- It is a social inclusion movement using sports, health and education and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities.
Key facts about the Special Olympics International:
- It is a program to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities who are eight years of age or older with year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.
- It was inaugurated in 1968 and was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee on February 15, 1988.
- Headquarters : Washington, D.C. USA
What is Intellectual Disability?
- Intellectual disability is characterized by significantly below-average intellectual functioning (generally regarded as IQ below 70) combined with impairment in carrying out varying aspects of daily life and adapting to the normal social environment.
