The Czech Special Olympics is a voluntary, independent and non-profit organization which unites individuals and groups participating in and supporting the Special Olympics Program. The program represents the humanitarian ideals of sports and integration of all mentally handicapped people. The main goal of the Czech Special Olympics is to enlarge the base for regular, consistent, and well-organized sports and training programs for the mentally handicapped. This organization strives to universally increase their involvement in the Special Olympics Program. Our effort is aimed at all mentally handicapped people, regardless of geography or the extent of disability.

The CSO encourages political, social and other organizations along with individuals to support it's aims to promote and spread sporting activities for the mentally disabled and integrate mentally handicapped into society. In order to maintain these activities, the CSO works ceaselessly to secure methodical, organizational and financial support for these actions.

The Executive Council of CSO promotes the goals of the Special Olympics by organizing and coordinating activities, finding sponsors, and collecting and distributing of donations and gifts. Currently the CSO has 142 Special Olympics Sports Clubs spanning the Czech Republic. This network of sports clubs includes more then 3200 mentally handicapped athletes, their coaches and partners. Receiving support from even the highest ranks of the Czech Republic, the Czech Special Olympics has cooperated from its inception with the First Lady Olga Havlova and her good Will Committee. It has also had significant support from the Czech President Vaclav Havel. The Special Olympics has received long term furtherance from the Ministry of Social Works, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Since 1993, the CSO has been officially recognized and supported by the Council of Sports Representation of the Czech Republic.

There is much more that can be said about the Czech Special Olympics' athletes, volunteers, and unique atmosphere of the games. However, even a short visit to any of the Special Olympics Games enables one to experience the truly special environment of the Special Olympics. It enables one to recognize and share the pure joy of the athletes, their sills and effort and most importantly to JOIN THE WORLD OF WINNERS.

Lubomír Kurz