Special Olympics

What Special Olympics does

Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1969 and headquartered at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports Complex in Lawrenceville, NJ. It is an independently governed state chapter affiliated with Special Olympics International, the global movement serving athletes with intellectual disabilities. SONJ provides year-round sports training and athletic competition across 20 Olympic-type sports to approximately 26,000 athletes ages 8 and older, with a Young Athletes extension serving children ages 2-7. All programs, including insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing, and meals, are provided completely free of charge to eligible athletes. The organization also delivers the Healthy Athletes program offering free health screenings across eight disciplines, Unified Sports that pair athletes with and without disabilities, and school-based programming from Pre-K through college.

Programs are delivered through a four-tier geographic structure spanning all 21 New Jersey counties organized into four regions (West, Northeast, South, East), with dedicated county coordinators, three satellite offices (Sewell, Ridgewood, Paramus), and a network of Local Training Programs. SONJ operates on an annual budget exceeding $8.4 million, supported by a diversified revenue base that includes individual donations, corporate partnerships (Prudential, TD Bank, United Airlines, ShopRite, Wawa, ShopRite, RWJBarnabas Health, among others), fundraising events (Polar Bear Plunges, Law Enforcement Torch Run, golf tournaments, 5K runs), the New Jersey state tax checkoff (Code 31 on NJ 1040), and vehicle/brick sales. The organization engages 22,000+ volunteers annually, holds a Charity Navigator Four Star Rating and a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, and is part of the global Special Olympics brand ranked #5 Most Trusted Nonprofits in the U.S. by Morning Consult. SONJ dedicates approximately 85% of every dollar directly to athlete programs and services, exceeding the nonprofit industry standard of 70-75%.

Name

Special Olympics

Legal name

Special Olympics New Jersey

Website

https://sonj.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Special Olympics New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free year-round sports training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports to 26,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across all 21 New Jersey counties, supported by 22,000 volunteers and corporate, individual, and event-based fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Sports and Athletic Programs for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adaptive & Para-Sport Event Organizers (MPAKADAM), Adaptive & Para-Sport Training Programs (MPAKAJAK), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Adaptive sports programs
• Intellectual disability athletics
• Nonprofit sports training
• Unified sports programs
• Special needs recreation

Headquarters

HQ city

Lawrenceville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through one-time or recurring donations, tribute/memorial gifts, and legacy bequests.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support at various levels (platinum, premier, etc.) including logo placement, event sponsorships, and cause marketing programs.
3. Fundraising Events: Revenue generated from fundraising events including Polar Bear Plunges, 5K runs (Statue of Liberty 5K, NJ Turnpike 5K), golf tournaments (Higgins Classic, Garden State Unified Golf Classic), Torch Run, and Walk SONJ.
4. New Jersey State Tax Checkoff: NJ gross income tax return designation allowing taxpayers to contribute to Special Olympics New Jersey Fund (Code 31 on NJ 1040).
5. Patio/Brick Sales: Champions Patio and Tribute Patio brick, stone, and plaque sales at the Sports Complex for legacy recognition.
6. Vehicle Donations: Car donation program allowing donors to contribute vehicles to benefit SONJ programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults ages 8 and older with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge. Programs include insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing, and meals, and are supplemented by the Young Athletes program (ages 2-7), Unified Sports, School-Based Sports, Healthy Athletes free health screenings across eight disciplines, Camp Shriver summer day camp, and Athlete Leadership initiatives.

Product overview

Special Olympics New Jersey provides a comprehensive portfolio of free sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The core offering is sports training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports, supplemented by the Young Athletes program for children ages 2-7, Unified Sports which pairs athletes with and without disabilities, and school-based programs including the Unified Champion Schools initiative. Additional offerings include Healthy Athletes free health screenings across eight disciplines, Camp Shriver summer camp, Athlete Leadership opportunities, and a Volunteer Registration Portal. All programs are provided completely free of charge to eligible athletes across 21 New Jersey counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sports Training and Competition Programs Year-round sports training and athletic competition in 20 Olympic-type sports (Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Figure Skating, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Cornhole) for children and adults ages 8+ with intellectual disabilities, provided completely free of charge including insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing, and meals.
• Young Athletes Program Inclusive sports play program for children ages 2 through 7 that prepares them for future participation in Special Olympics sports while improving gross motor, social, and cognitive skills.
• Unified Sports Program that joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to compete together in various sports, fostering inclusion and social integration.
• School-Based Sports Programs for schools from Pre-K through college providing inclusive sports experiences including Unified Champion Schools, Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement initiatives.
• Healthy Athletes Program providing free health screenings to athletes in eight disciplines: Fit Feet, FUNfitness, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion, MedFest, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, and Strong Minds.
• Camp Shriver Eight-week summer day camp running June-August that provides fitness, wellness, sports, fun, and learning opportunities for athletes at the SONJ Sports Complex.
• Athlete Leadership Program that empowers Special Olympics athletes to voice their opinions and make recommendations for the organization through the Athlete Leadership Council.
• Sports Complex Multi-sport facility in Lawrenceville, NJ housing headquarters, athletic fields, training areas, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center, offering free activities to all registered athletes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 26,000 athletes served
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered premier partner, flagship, core partner, program partner, legacy partner, platinum partner, corporate partner, community partner, event sponsor and event partner.

• Tommy Hilfiger Adaptivepremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTommy Hilfiger Adaptive provides adaptive clothing and apparel partnerships, supporting Special Olympics athletes with inclusive clothing options.
• United Airlinespremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerUnited Airlines serves as a premier corporate partner providing travel support and transportation services for Special Olympics athletes and programs.
• Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw Enforcement Torch Run is a flagship partnership spanning decades. Officers run with the Flame of Hope through NJ communities to raise funds and awareness for SONJ. The Torch Run raised $3.9 million and attracted 3,000+ officers running through 350 towns at peak.
• New Jersey Department of Community Affairscore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partnership providing institutional support and funding for SONJ programs across New Jersey communities.
• ShopRitepremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerShopRite serves as a premier corporate partner supporting SONJ through in-store promotions, event sponsorship, and community engagement.
• Wawapremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerWawa is a premier corporate partner supporting SONJ through the Wawa Foundation, event sponsorship, and community outreach programs.
• Delta Dental of New Jerseypremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerDelta Dental provides dental health expertise and support for SONJ's Special Smiles healthy athletes program and serves as a corporate sponsor.
• New York Football Giantspremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNY Giants support SONJ through player appearances, event sponsorships, and community engagement activities at games and special events.
• Players Development Academyprogram partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlayers Development Academy provides sports training expertise and coaching development support for SONJ athlete programs.
• RWJBarnabas Healthpremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerRWJBarnabas Health serves as a premier health partner providing medical support, health screenings, and wellness programming for SONJ athletes through the Healthy Athletes program.
• Professional Insurance Agents of New Jerseylegacy partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst corporate sponsor of SONJ from 1980s, continues long-standing partnership through The PIA Foundation supporting events and programs.
• Prudentialplatinum partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPrudential is a platinum-level corporate partner supporting SONJ through financial contributions and employee volunteer engagement.
• TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundationcore partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTD Bank provides naming rights for TD Bank Sport Field at the SONJ Sports Complex and ongoing financial support through the TD Charitable Foundation.
• Jersey Mike'sprogram partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerJersey Mike's supports SONJ through fundraising events, store-level donations, and community engagement initiatives.
• New Jersey Golf Foundation and PGAprogram partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting SONJ golf programs including coaching resources, venue access, and youth golf development initiatives.
• Atlantic City Electriccorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerAtlantic City Electric provides corporate sponsorship and employee engagement support for SONJ programs in southern New Jersey.
• BD (Becton Dickinson)corporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerBD supports SONJ through corporate giving, employee volunteer programs, and health-related initiatives.
• AmeriHealthcorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerAmeriHealth provides health insurance industry support for SONJ wellness programs and Healthy Communities initiatives.
• Edison Energycorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerEdison Energy provides corporate sponsorship supporting SONJ sustainability and environmental initiatives.
• Identiforprogram partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdentifor provides technology resources and tools supporting SONJ athlete development and program tracking initiatives.
• Jersey Shore Running Clubcommunity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal running club supports SONJ through event participation, volunteer support, and fundraising at running events.
• New Jersey Knights of Columbuscommunity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerKnights of Columbus councils across NJ support SONJ through fundraising events, volunteer recruitment, and community programs.
• The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner36-year partnership hosting the SONJ Summer Games at TCNJ campus in Ewing, NJ. Partnership began in 1990 and continues to serve as the premier state competition venue.
• Shawmut Design & Constructionevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerShawmut Design & Construction serves as presenting sponsor for the annual Higgins Classic Golf Tournament.
• Red Bulls (NY Red Bulls Academy)program partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRed Bulls provide soccer training videos, coaching resources, and technical development support for SONJ soccer programs.
• Bristol Myers Squibbcorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerBristol Myers Squibb supports SONJ through corporate giving and employee volunteer programs.
• Amazoncorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon supports SONJ through corporate sponsorship and in-kind donations for programs and events.
• Novo Nordiskcorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNovo Nordisk supports SONJ health and diabetes awareness initiatives through corporate giving.
• Rutgers Universityprogram partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRutgers University supports SONJ through event hosting, student volunteer programs, and collaborative health initiatives.
• New Jersey Devilsevent partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL team supports SONJ through player appearances, event sponsorship, and community engagement programs.
• Rowan Universitycore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRowan University hosts the SONJ @ RCSJ satellite office at their Stephen M. Sweeney Center for Special Services and supports student involvement.
• NJ Manufacturerscorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNJ Manufacturers Insurance supports SONJ through corporate sponsorship and community investment.
• Red Bullevent partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerRed Bull supports SONJ energy and athletic events through sponsorship and brand partnership.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Special Olympics International: The global parent organization of Special Olympics New Jersey and the broader Special Olympics movement reaching 5.7 million athletes in 172 countries. Directly comparable as the umbrella body governing program standards, brand use, and accreditation for SONJ.

Direct peers

• Special Olympics Pennsylvania: A fellow state-level Special Olympics affiliate operating the same model of year-round sports training, competition, and fundraising for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania. SONJ's closest functional peer in scale, programs, and funding structure.
• Special Olympics New York: Northeast state-affiliate offering parallel Olympic-type sports programming, competitions, and fundraising events for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Comparable in program breadth, volunteer scale, and corporate partnership model.
• Special Olympics Connecticut: Another Northeast state affiliate of Special Olympics delivering training and competition in multiple sports to athletes with intellectual disabilities, with similar corporate partnership and volunteer-driven delivery model.
• Move United: National nonprofit (formerly Disabled Sports USA) providing adaptive sports programming through a network of community-based chapters. Comparable mission of expanding access to sports for people with disabilities, but operates a federated rather than direct-delivery model.
• Miracle League: National adaptive baseball organization building accessible baseball fields and leagues for children and adults with disabilities. Comparable niche adaptive-sport focus, community-built infrastructure, and volunteer-driven event model.
• Challenger Division (Little League): Little League's adaptive baseball program for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Comparable youth-sport, free-of-charge, volunteer-coached delivery model, though scoped to a single sport.

Emerging players

• Best Buddies International: Nonprofit focused on one-to-one friendship, leadership development, and inclusive job opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Adjacent mission overlap and similar corporate/individual fundraising model.
• National Down Syndrome Society: Advocacy and programming nonprofit serving individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Comparable target population, national brand, and reliance on donor and corporate partnership revenue.

Regional players

• United States Wheelchair Football League: Adaptive sports league organized through Move United offering competitive wheelchair-based sports programming for athletes with disabilities. Comparable adaptive-sport event and athlete-development focus, narrower sport scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SONewJersey
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIBX66YV9TT1TB7MoBPeoDQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/SONewJersey
• Instagraminstagram.com/specialolympicsnj
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/special-olympics-new-jersey

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Special Olympics