Definition

Proper noun A major international sporting event, organized similarly to the Olympic Games, specifically for athletes with intellectual disabilities and, in some editions, for athletes with certain physical disabilities. The name is a trademark.

Usage

• The Special Olympics is held every two years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games.
• She has been training for years to compete in the Special Olympics.
• The spirit of inclusion is central to the mission of the Special Olympics.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost always used with the definite article "the" (the Special Olympics) when referring to the event or organization.
• It can function attributively as a modifier (e.g., Special Olympics athlete, Special Olympics event, Special Olympics organization).

Variants and Related Words

• Special Olympian (noun): An athlete who competes in the Special Olympics.
• Paralympics (proper noun): A separate major international sporting event for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. It is crucial to distinguish between the Special Olympics and the Paralympics, as they serve different athlete populations and have different eligibility criteria.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun/trademarked name. Descriptive phrases include "sports competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities" or "Olympic-style games for disabled athletes."

Related Phrases

• to compete in the Special Olympics: The standard phrase for athlete participation.
• Special Olympics World Games: The official name for the global event.
• the Special Olympics movement: Refers to the broader social mission and community beyond the sporting events themselves.

Noun

1. an athletic contest modeled after the Olympic Games but intended for mentally or physically handicapped persons