July 31, 2026
“Empowering Athletes. Inspiring Communities.”
Through the power of sports, Special Olympics Mississippi unites more than 7,000 athletes across 18 regions in a movement of inclusion, courage, and joy.
Our Mission
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics Athletes and their communities.
Why It Matters
7,000+ athletes actively competing across Mississippi
Thousands of volunteers fueling events and mentorship
Dozens of sports & programs that build skills, confidence, and friendship
Countless moments of joy and inclusion that change lives
Our Vision
A Mississippi where every person—regardless of ability—is celebrated, included, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Road to the 2026 USA Games
Team Mississippi is on the road to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games — where determination, courage, and unity will take center stage. Hosted in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, the Games will bring together thousands of athletes from across the nation to showcase the power of inclusion through sport.
Our Mississippi athletes are training hard to represent our state with pride, heart, and perseverance. Every stride, every throw, every finish line crossed tells a story of resilience and community. Join us in cheering on Team Mississippi as they prepare for this unforgettable journey — one that celebrates ability, friendship, and the true spirit of the Games.
Together, we are Champions. Together, we are Mississippi Strong.
Events in August 2026
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Explore our sports
Athletics
May 2026 (Keesler AFB, MS)
Basketball –
March 7, 2026 (Jackson, MS) – JSU Walter Payton Center
March 2026 (Starkville, MS)
Bocce
May 2026 (Keesler AFB, MS)
Bowling
November 2026 (Grenada, MS)
Cheerleading
November 2026 (Grenada, MS)
Golf
May 2026 (Keesler AFB, MS)
Powerlifting
May 2026 (Keesler AFB , MS)
Softball
October 2026 (Camp Shelby)
Swimming
May 2026 (Keesler AFB, MS)
Tennis
May 2026 (Keesler AFB, MS)
WHAT WE DO FOR HEALTH
Health has a substantial impact on quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and affects Special Olympics athletes’ ability to train and compete in sports. Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with ID lack access to quality health services and prevention opportunities, resulting in avoidable health conditions at rates higher than peers without ID.
HEALTHY ATHLETES
Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that provides free medical screenings and education for people with intellectual disabilities.
Through healthy athletes programs, Special Olympics:
* Ensures quality Health Screenings/Referrals for athletes.
* Offers Health Professionals the opportunity to learn how to treat people with intellectual disabilities and be more prone to welcome them into their practices.
Unified Champion Schools
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® builds on Special Olympics’ values, principles and practices to shape a generation that welcomes everyone.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
TORCH BEARER
CHAMPION
GOLD MEDALIST
SILVER MEDALIST
BRONZE MEDALIST
Kroger’s Community Rewards program lets shoppers easily support Special Olympics by linking their Plus Card to a local or state Special Olympics organization, earning donations for them with every purchase at no extra cost to the shopper. To participate, you sign up or log in at Kroger.com, find the Community Rewards section, and select your chosen Special Olympics branch (e.g., Special Olympics Georgia, Kentucky) as your charity, requiring annual re-enrollment to continue supporting them.
How it Works
Sign Up/Log In: Go to kroger.com and create or sign into your Kroger account.
Link Your Card: Register your Kroger Plus Card (or phone number linked to your account).
Find Your Charity: In the Community Rewards section, search for your local Special Olympics (e.g., Special Olympics Georgia, code 57973; Special Olympics Delaware Co., code SA652).
Shop & Earn: Swipe your Plus Card or use your phone number at checkout; Kroger donates a percentage of your total to your selected charity.
Key Things to Remember
Annual Re-enrollment: You must re-enroll each year to keep supporting your chosen charity.
Supports Local Programs: Funds benefit local Special Olympics programs, covering sports, uniforms, and events.
No Cost to You: You earn your own fuel points and rewards, while the charity gets donations from Kroger.