GREATER DAYTON SPECIAL OLYMPICS FACTS:
Special Olympics of Greater Dayton has been in existence since 1974. It began as a one day event offering two sports: swimming and track & field.
Special Olympics of Greater Dayton offers year-round training to over 700 athletes with intellectual disabilities in the Montgomery County area and offers competitive events to an additional 300 athletes in surrounding counties. Teams are formed through public and private schools, residential facilities, parent groups, work places, and parks & recreation departments. Individuals may also register as independents.
Sports currently offered to Special Olympic athletes locally include:
| Aquatics* | Developmental Sports | Roller Skating* | Basketball* | Golf |
| Soccer | Bocce Ball* | Gymnastics* | Softball | Bowling* |
| Ice Skating | Track & Field* | Cycling | Power Lifting | Volleyball |
(*denotes sports in which Area-wide events are offered)
Every year, local athletes advance State, Regional and National competitions.
Special Olympics is 99% supported by a volunteer force of over 500 individuals.
The Battle of the Businesses is the primary fundraiser for Special Olympics of Greater Dayton. The 2008 Battle raised just shy of $77,000. All proceeds from the Battle of the Businesses and Battle Bucks program go directly to Special Olympics of Greater Dayton and are used to pay for uniforms, training facilities, equipment, travel to competitions, and the cost of running Special Olympics events. There are no paid personnel in the organization of the Battle.
For more information on Special Olympics or Battle of the Businesses, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact us at:
Special Olympics of Greater Dayton
4130 Linden Avenue
Suite 310
Dayton, OH 45432
(937) 258-5353