What’s the difference between Special Olympics and Paralympics?
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Special Olympics involves athletes from all ranges of physical abilities who have intellectual disabilities. A very small percentage of Special Olympics athletes also have physical disabilities. The Paralympics involves athletes from six disability groups who compete only on the elite sport level.. As in mainstream sports competitions, athletes who do not meet qualifying standards may not compete and others who are competing may lose in preliminary play. Th e mainstream philosophy of sport is applied, which facilitates competition to determine the “best” athlete or team.