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Accreditation

Special Olympics accredits Programs to ensure the worldwide quality, and ultimately the growth, of the Special Olympics Movement. These downloadable and viewable resources will help Programs complete the process.

ACCREDITATION IN THE GENERAL RULES

Article 6 of the Special Olympics Official General Rules

Learn more about accreditation
34 Min Read

WHAT ACCREDITATION OFFERS

What Accreditation Offers (PDF)

When a Program satisfies the accreditation requirements, Special Olympics signs that Program’s Accreditation License Agreement, which grants the Program the legal right to use the Special Olympics name, logo and other trademarks within its jurisdiction, to conduct Special Olympics sports and related activities, and to raise funds under the Special Olympics name.

In addition, Programs gain access to numerous benefits of accreditation, including shared strategy and vision, global leadership and resources, international competitions and summits, risk management guidance and support, global brand marketing, and access to financial resources through grants, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.

Read about the value of Special Olympics accreditation for your organization and the global movement.

ACCREDITATION SYSTEM LOGIN

Accreditation System Login (website)

All Programs use the online accreditation system for submission of applications and other materials.

2024 ACCREDITATION GUIDE

This guide includes everything you need to know in order to complete your Program’s accreditation requirements (in PDF format).

ADJUSTED GROSS REVENUE FORM 2022

(Use this form for the 2024 fee)
Accredited Programs outside the United States submit financial information annually on the AGR Form (PDF).

ACCREDITATION LICENSE AGREEMENT 2024 – 2025

This license agreement sets forth the legal requirements and rights of accreditation. A copy of the English version must be signed by the Program’s Board Chair when applying for accreditation.

ACCREDITATION FEES POLICY

Each accredited Program is required to pay accreditation fees annually. This policy includes fee formulas and procedures.

LETTERHEAD TEMPLATE

A4 Letterhead (DOCX)

For Programs outside of the United States.

US Letterhead (DOCX)

For Programs in the United States.

Ubuntu Font Download (external website)

Download the Ubuntu font on your Mac or PC before downloading letterhead Word documents.

RELATED RESOURCES

TRAINING MATERIALS

International Accreditation Training 2024 – 2025 Webinar Recording - English

2024 webinar presented to Special Olympics Programs worldwide. (Video recording)

Accreditation Presentation 2024 – 2025 (International) English (PDF)

This 2024 – 2025 Accreditation presentation accompanies the 2024 webinar presented to Special Olympics Programs worldwide.

PROGRAM QUALITY STANDARDS SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

Program Quality Standards Self-Assessment Tool

Please note, PQS is now part of the mandatory Accreditation requirements. Programs applying for the full 2024-2025 Accreditation cycle will be required to complete the PQS self-assessment using the below self-assessment tools.

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