Fans in the Stands

“Fans in the Stands” is Special Olympics’ community engagement program, which invites organized groups to attend competitions as an active audience, to fill the stands and cheer on athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Schools, universities, companies, sports clubs, foundations, and community organizations are welcome to join. They come as a group to a competition day and experience firsthand from the stands the talent and dedication of Special Olympics athletes.

This program aims to fill the venues so that every athlete can compete with the support of the crowd. It also seeks to help more people experience firsthand the sports and the talent of Special Olympics athletes. Finally, we want participants to take the message of inclusion back to their schools, workplaces, and communities as ambassadors of inclusion.