Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.Our goal is to help bring persons with intellectualdisabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. When we achieve this goal through our sports program, we demonstrate that Special Olympics has a unique value: to show the world that every person counts and that every person can be something good when we work together.Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities, helping them to develop athletic skills, while also promoting the abilities of the athletes off the field.When our athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities develop, health and self-esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good and hopeful and positive.Athletes gain skills for employment, learn independent living skills, form relationships and help others understand their extraordinary capabilities despite health issues they experience daily. Twenty-four different sports are offered for athletes to experience. Athletes ranging from age eight through senior participate in Special Olympics, gaining life skills and confidence in their athletic ability. Athletes ages 2-7 may also now participate via our Young Athletes (TM) program.SOGA is truly a grassroots effort. Only through a volunteer base of more than 15,000 are we able to fulfill our mission in serving our athletes and continue to grow. The volunteers are dedicated to providing the highest quality programs and services to the athletes and serve as area directors, certified coaches, event staff, unified sports partners and fundraisers. The continuing success of the organization depends on the ongoing support of the community.Through the program, 23,620 Georgia athletes are given the chance to express themselves and test their limits, however SOGA is currently serving only 23 percent of the eligible population!You can help these athletes in various ways; by volunteering, coaching, donating or sponsoring an athlete or event.