Evidence & Impact

Research Supporting the Benefits of Adaptive Skiing & Special Olympics Participation

PHYSICAL HEALTH & MOBILITY

Benefits of Inclusive Sport Training on Fitness & Health (2024)
Scientific Reports (Nature) — Peer Reviewed
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-69334-2
Shows improved strength, balance, coordination, endurance and overall physical fitness for athletes with intellectual disabilities participating in structured sport.

Physical Activity, Quality of Life & Well-Being in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2024)
Healthcare (MDPI) — Peer Reviewed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969939/
Demonstrates improved physical health, energy levels, movement confidence and day-to-day functioning.

Special Olympics Unified Sports Outcomes (2025)
Peer Reviewed, Open Access
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12303968/

Shows increases in fitness, motor skill development, stamina and physical wellbeing among Special Olympics athletes.

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Participant-Reported Benefits of Adaptive Sport Programmes (2017)
Rehabilitation Psychology — Peer Reviewed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5924421/
Highlights improved problem-solving, focus, attention, planning and self-efficacy.

Physical Activity, Quality of Life & Well-Being Study (2024)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969939/
Shows improvements in independence, cognitive engagement and everyday functioning linked to physical activity.

Special Olympics Well-Being Study (2021)
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Peer Reviewed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8352474/
Shows improved motivation, attention, goal-setting and emotional regulation in athletes participating in Special Olympics programmes.

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH

Psychological Effects of Skiing (2019)
IJERPH — Peer Reviewed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6509446/
Skiing reduces stress, increases joy, builds confidence and improves emotional wellbeing.

Life Satisfaction in Special Olympic Athletes (2021)
Peer Reviewed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9788706/
Athletes report higher self-esteem, pride, confidence and overall life satisfaction.

Special Olympics as a Well-Being Intervention (2021)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8352474/
Shows improved mental health, reduced loneliness, increased emotional resilience and better coping skills.

SOCIAL CONNECTION, INCLUSION & COMMUNITY

Transnational Study on Community Inclusion Through Special Olympics (2022)
Sport in Society — Peer Reviewed, Open Access
https://natad2.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Foundational_Health_The-community-inclusion-of-athletes-with-intellectual-disability-a-transnational-study-of-the-impact-of-participating-in-Special-Olympics_2022.pdf
Shows Special Olympics participation significantly increases social inclusion, community belonging and meaningful social participation.

Role of Special Olympics in Promoting Social Inclusion (2015)
JSFD International Review — Open Access
https://jsfd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/inoue_2015_jsfd_the-role-of-special-olympics-in-promoting-social-inclusion.pdf
Demonstrates Special Olympics' impact on breaking isolation, building belonging and fostering community acceptance.

Adaptive Sports Programmes Improve Social Integration (2017)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5924421/
Shows athletes develop friendships, social confidence and stronger peer relationships through adaptive sports.

Special Olympics Unified Sports Research Library
Special Olympics Global Resource — Public Access
https://resources.specialolympics.org/research/unified-sports-research
Shows improved peer relationships, inclusion, confidence and communication skills for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.