Who we are...
Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, Special Olympics, Inc. is a high quality program of sports training and athletic competition for mentally handicapped citizens, the first and largest of its kind in the world. With competitive divisions based on age and ability, Special Olympics reaches out to all persons with special needs. Currently, there are independently accredited programs in all of the United States and in 50 foreign countries, offering competition in 14 official sports year-round.

Today, more than a million athletics throughout the world learn the joy of self-confidence and success through Special Olympics.

How we began...
In May of 1970, the "Flame of Hope" was lit at the first North Carolina Special Olympics State Games. This Olympic tradition, and the courageous success of these Special Olympic athletes, marked the beginnings of a new and exciting movement in North Carolina, including the Rocky Mount/Nash Special Olympics Program. Since our inception in the mid-1970's, our participation has grown to over 300 athletes who compete on the local, state and regional level.

The Rocky Mount/Nash Special Olympic Program has multiple credentials of its own. These include:

• 1st local program in the State of NC to represent the State twice in the prestigious Penn Relays.
• 1st local program in the State to travel internationally to represent the US in the Althea Gibson Jamacian Relays in Kingston, Jamacia.
• 1st program in NC to participate in the 1992 Olympic Trials in New Orleans, LA to compete on a national level.
• Recipient of the U.S. Air/North Carolina Special Olympics Commitment of Excellence Award in Athletics.
• Selection to represent the State at the 1995 World Games in Conneticut.

Why we continue...
Each year, more than ten thousand individuals and hundreds of businesses and corporations say, "Yes, we care." And because they care, 24,000 Special Olympians in NC have a change to learn, experience, and grow. Special Olympic volunteers are a unique group of people who devote their time and energy to thousands of tasks required to conduct a successful year-long program. Without their support, there would be no training, no competition, and no Special Olympics Program.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact John.Battle@rockymountnc.gov with your name, address, and telephone number. You may also call 252-972-1155.

Click HERE for detailed program information.