Special Olympics Alaska Inc

The mission of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc. (SO-AK) is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all Alaskans with intellectual disabilities. The program provides Special Olympics athletes with continuous opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, share joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Alaska has provided fully accredited year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Alaska since 1969. SO-AK is a private, non-profit, 501c (3) corporation with a Board of Directors and 9 local programs statewide with more than 2000 athletes that are empowered by thousands of volunteers. Athletes train and compete year-round in 14 Olympic-type sports (alpine skiing, aquatics, athletics, basketball, cross country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, golf, gymnastics, power lifting, snowshoe, and speed skating). SO-AK, through sports training and competition programs, helps bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. Special Olympics has a unique value, to show the world that every person counts and that every person can make a difference. Through Special Olympics, people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to train and compete in a sports organization that values daily physical activities. Daily physical activity can facilitate full inclusion in the community, foster skills for employment, promote independent living skills, foster friendships, and help others understand their extraordinary capabilities. These types of activities are unifying our Alaskan communities more than ever before.

The funds received from Pick.Click.Give. go directly toward supporting the year round sports training and competition for Special Olympics Alaska athletes.