About SONM
 
Special Olympics New Mexico provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental challenges (intellectual disabilities), giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical  fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
 
Special Olympics New Mexico was founded in 1968 and is authorized and accredited by Special Olympics International, head-quartered in Washington, D.C.  Special Olympics was created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation and is authorized by the International Olympic Committee to use the word “Olympics.”  Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver is the founder of Special Olympics International.
 
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.  They grow physically, mentally, and socially, and through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but “their voices” as well.  Through successful experiences in sports, Special Olympics New Mexico athletes are given opportunities to feel good about who they are and celebrate their accomplishments, which carry over into the classroom, the home, the job and the community.
 
Special Olympics New Mexico is a registered (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors.  The Board establishes the policies and approves the programs for the state organization.  Special Olympics New Mexico staff is headed by an executive director and is responsible for program planning, implementation and evaluation as well as public education, fundraising, organizational development and technical support.  All funds are raised through individual and corporate donations, foundation grants, state government funding and special events.   Special Olympics New Mexico does not receive funding from the Kennedy Foundation, the United Way, or the federal government.