Special Olympics Saudi Arabia

What Special Olympics Saudi Arabia does

Special Olympics Saudi Arabia (SOSA, الأولمبياد الخاص السعودي) is the recognized national federation of Special Olympics International in Saudi Arabia, formally constituted in 2019 under the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and headquartered in Riyadh. The organization provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24+ Olympic sports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), delivered through a network of 14+ licensed clubs across 5+ regions, a Unified Champion Schools program in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and a Healthy Athletes program spanning 8 health specialties. Programs are free for beneficiaries and the organization's services are complemented by Young Athletes, Fit5, Athletes Leadership, Unified Hospitals, Parent Council, Volunteer, and Shumul newsletter offerings.

The business model is non-profit and funded through three streams: Saudi government support (Ministry of Sports, Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Vision 2030 mandate), corporate sponsorships (Aramco, Bereen Water, Al-Rawabi, Zahid Group, Al-Utimad, and others), and licensing/support to affiliated clubs. The organization does not sell products commercially; rather, it delivers sports, health, and community programs to athletes, families, and partner institutions. GTM is community-led and event-driven — athlete acquisition flows through registered clubs, special education schools, family summits, and a calendar of 32+ national and regional competitions annually, complemented by international delegations to World Games, Regional Beach Games, and Unified World Cups.

SOSA operates with a small core team (~20 employees) led by President Dr. Maha bint Ahmed Al-Juffali (2024-2028 term) and Executive President/National Director Abdulrahman Al-Qirshi. The organization has built a dense partnership network in 2025-2026 spanning 8+ sports federation MoUs (Golf, Volleyball, Badminton, Judo, Tennis, Sailing, Triathlon, Strength Sports, Chess), government partnerships (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, King Salman Center for Disability Research), and corporate sponsorships. Notable outcomes include 25 medals at Berlin 2023 World Summer Games, 4 medals at Turin 2025 Winter World Games, silvers at the Unified Volleyball World Cup (Poland 2025) and Unified Basketball World Cup (Puerto Rico 2025), and 1,200+ new athletes enrolled in 2025.

Name

Special Olympics Saudi Arabia

Legal name

الاتحاد السعودي للأولمبياد الخاص

Website

https://specialolympics.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Special Olympics Saudi Arabia is the recognized national federation providing year-round sports training, competitions, and health programs across 24+ Olympic sports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, operating through 14+ licensed clubs and partnerships with Saudi ministries under Vision 2030.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Sports and Disability Inclusion Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability & Adaptive Sport Governing Bodies (Paralympic & Sport-Specific) (MPAKAFAL), Adaptive & Para-Sport Event Organizers (MPAKADAM), Adaptive & Para-Sport Training Programs (MPAKAJAK), Adaptive & Para-Sport Coaching (HSADAEAM), Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM)

Keywords

• Adaptive sports programs
• Intellectual disability athletics
• Inclusive sports training
• Special olympics federation
• Unified sports programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Support: Operational funding and institutional support from the Saudi Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and government sector partners, in alignment with Vision 2030 goals for inclusive sports.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships: Sponsorship agreements with private sector companies and nonprofits that support athlete camps, national teams, and programs — including water companies, healthcare providers, educational groups, and entertainment entities.
3. Membership and Club Licensing: Licensing and support to affiliated sports clubs serving athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Saudi Arabia, contributing to organizational sustainability.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Special Olympics Saudi Arabia is a nonprofit national sports federation delivering year-round athletic training and competition programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across 24+ Olympic sports. Its service portfolio extends beyond sports to include free health screenings via the Healthy Athletes program, inclusive school-based Unified Champion Schools and School Sports Champions programs, athlete leadership development, coach and referee certification, and inclusive healthcare staff training through the Unified Hospitals initiative. All programs are offered free of charge to beneficiaries, with operational sustainability provided by government grants, corporate sponsorships, and licensed club fees.

Product overview

Special Olympics Saudi Arabia is a nonprofit sports organization offering a unified portfolio of sports programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its core offering is year-round sports training and athletic competition across multiple Olympic and adapted sports disciplines, supported by complementary programs including the Healthy Athletes health screening program, Unified Schools and Unified Champion Schools inclusion programs, Young Athletes and Fit5 fitness programs, Athletes Leadership development, the Unified Hospitals healthcare inclusion initiative, the School Sports Champions league, volunteer and parent council programs, a quarterly newsletter, coach certification courses, and annual reports. The organization partners with sports federations, government entities, private sector organizations, and educational institutions to deliver these programs across multiple regions of Saudi Arabia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Year-Round Sports Training and Competition Program Year-round specialized sports training and athletic competition across 24+ Olympic sports (athletics, basketball, volleyball, futsal, badminton, equestrian, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, tennis, table tennis, sailing, judo, triathlon, golf, chess, and others) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, delivered through licensed clubs across Saudi Arabia and culminating in national, regional, and international competitions.
• Healthy Athletes Program Free health-screening and clinical-services program delivering examinations across eight accredited specialties (oral health, vision, hearing, physical therapy, and additional disciplines) to athletes at competitions, with referrals and follow-up care, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Health.
• Unified Champion Schools Program Comprehensive school-based program combining sports, leadership, and health components to foster inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, implemented through special education schools in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
• Unified Schools Program School-based inclusive sports program promoting joint participation between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through shared athletic and educational activities.
• School Sports Champions League National organized school sports league for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education to provide competitive sports opportunities within the educational setting.
• Young Athletes Program Early-engagement sports program introducing young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to fundamental sports skills and physical activity, serving as the entry point into the federation's athlete pipeline.
• Fit5 Fitness Program Structured fitness program focused on enhancing physical fitness and promoting healthy lifestyle habits among athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities through targeted physical-activity regimens.
• Athletes Leadership Program Leadership development program equipping athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the skills to take on leadership roles within the Special Olympics movement and their communities, including public speaking, advocacy, and governance training.
• Unified Hospitals Program Program in partnership with the Ministry of Health that trains healthcare staff to create inclusive medical environments and deliver quality care tailored to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in hospitals across Saudi Arabia.
• Coach and Referee Training and Certification Courses Coach and referee certification programs and specialized sports training courses for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, delivered nationally in person and internationally through the Special Olympics International e-learning platform.
• Sports Club Licensing Program Licensing and support framework for affiliated sports clubs (currently 14+ across Saudi Arabia, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim, Jeddah, Al-Madinah, Makkah, Tabuk, Asir, Jazan, Al-Baha, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and specialized clubs such as Ifa, Ghazalan Sahara, Team Up) that deliver year-round sports programs for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25 medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 11 bronze) at Berlin 2023 World Games
• +11 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

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

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Golden Horse Chess Academy (أكاديمية الفرس الذهبي للشطرنج)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2026MoU signed July 7, 2026, at the Special Olympics Saudi Arabia office in Riyadh. Aims to develop adaptive chess programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, train coaches and officials, and organize chess activities and tournaments to enhance cognitive and social skills.
• Saudi Golf Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للجولف)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2026MoU signed June 8, 2026, at the Saudi Golf Federation headquarters in Riyadh. Aimed at supporting Special Olympics athletes' participation in golf through training and competition opportunities, coach and official development, and joint sports programs aligned with Vision 2030 inclusion goals.
• Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (الهيئة السعودية للتخصصات الصحية)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2026MoU signed April 6, 2026, in Riyadh. Focuses on health training, research, and volunteer opportunities to improve quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including developing specialized training programs and joint awareness campaigns.
• King Salman Center for Disability Research (مركز الملك سلمان لأبحاث الإعاقة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2025Cooperation agreement signed November 2, 2025, under the patronage of the Amir of Riyadh. Focuses on research, sports-science integration, the 'Wasatt' initiative for athlete integration programs, scientific studies on sports impact, trainer development, and a national shared database — all under Vision 2030.
• Ministry of Education (وزارة التعليم)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2025MoU signed October 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Education in Riyadh. Aims to improve the quality of sports activities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through training programs, school competitions, and international participation pathways, building on the School Sports Champions project.
• Saudi Triathlon Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للسباق الثلاثي)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 October 2025MoU to support the development of triathlon sports programs for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Saudi Volleyball Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للكرة الطائرة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2025MoU signed September 9, 2025, in Riyadh. Supports the development of volleyball for Special Olympics athletes through competitions, training programs, coach and official certification, and the expansion of unified sports, building on the international SO-FIVB partnership.
• Saudi Strength Sports Committee (اللجنة السعودية لرياضات القوة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2025MoU signed July 2, 2025. Supports the spread of powerlifting among Special Olympics athletes through advanced training programs, coach development, athlete participation in competitions, and joint activities for an inclusive and safe sports environment.
• Saudi Badminton Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للريشة الطائرة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025MoU signed June 1, 2025, in Riyadh. Seeks to enhance cooperation in supporting athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in badminton through organizing competitions, training programs, coach and official development, and unified sports exchanges.
• Saudi Sailing Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للملاحة الشراعية)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2025Cooperation in sailing coach training, conducted April–May 2025 at the Jeddah Yacht Club, as part of expanding water sports for Special Olympics athletes.
• Saudi Judo Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للجودو)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2025Cooperation in judo coach training, conducted May 13–16, 2025, at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, as part of the National Games program.
• Ministry of Health (وزارة الصحة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024MoU signed October 2024 at the Global Health Exhibition. Aims to enhance cooperation in health awareness, volunteer services, and medical examinations, and to train healthcare workers to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting Vision 2030's health transformation goals.
• Saudi Tennis Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للتنس)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 December 2023MoU signed December 26, 2023, to enhance cooperation in tennis for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Mohammad Abdul Latif Basha and Partners Medical Services (شركة محمد عبد اللطيف باشه وشركائه للخدمات الطبية)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 December 2023MoU signed December 7, 2023, to support hearing health programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including medical examinations during health events.
• Saudi Optometry Association (الجمعية السعودية للبصريات)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023MoU signed November 2025 at the 10th Saudi Optometry Conference to enhance eye health cooperation within the Healthy Athletes program.
• Bereen Water Company (شركة مياه بيرين)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games, providing hydration support.
• Aramco Saudi Arabia (أرامكو السعودية)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2023Aramco Saudi Arabia collaborated with Special Olympics Saudi Arabia to host a celebration and tribute event for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the International Day of People with Disabilities, December 3, 2023.
• Insan Human Development Company (شركة تنمية الإنسان)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 November 2023MoU signed November 7, 2023, to enhance cooperation in sports and health programs for people with disabilities.
• Al-Rawabi Holding (الروابي القابضة)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 November 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Tamamm Group (مجموعة تمر)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 November 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Al-Awn Center for Disability (مركز العون)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Sponsorship of national team training camps for Berlin 2023 World Games, and host of Young Athletes program site visits for the Leadership Academy.
• Youth Club (نادي الشباب)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Partnership to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities through a joint football match and community awareness events in Riyadh.
• WWE Community (مؤسسة المصارعة العالمية الترفيهية WWE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Partnership under the General Entertainment Authority, supporting Special Olympics athletes through community engagement and entertainment events under the SOI-WWE Community global partnership.
• Zahid Group Companies (مجموعة شركات الزاهد)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Ahmed Abdullah Al-Jubairy Foundation (مؤسسة أحمد عبدالله الجفالي الخيرية)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Al-Bait Optometry (البدر للبصريات)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 April 2023Sponsorship of national team training camps for Berlin 2023 World Games, supporting the vision health program.
• Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities (هيئة رعاية الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 April 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games, supporting athlete preparation.
• Iafa Association for Disability Care (جمعية إيفاء لرعاية ذوي الإعاقة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2023Cooperation agreement signed April 13, 2023, for sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games. Iafa is a key partner in hosting regional events and training programs.
• Al-Utimad Group (مجموعة التميمي)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 April 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Ridzone Academy (ريدزون)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 April 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Noor Nof Educational Company (شركة نور نوف التعليمية)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2023Sponsorship of Saudi national team camps for Berlin 2023 World Games.
• Saudi University Sports Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للرياضة الجامعية)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support university-level sports for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• King Saud University for Health Sciences (جامعة الملك سعود للعلوم الصحية)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for national basketball competitions at the Sports Complex in Riyadh, supporting athlete development events.
• King Abdulaziz University (جامعة الملك عبدالعزيز)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for National Games in Jeddah and judo coach training programs at the sports village in Jeddah.
• Effat University (جامعة عفت)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of regional swimming coach training programs, under a cooperation agreement active since late 2021, providing sports facilities for Special Olympics training.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Special Olympics International: Parent organization and global movement providing the brand, standards, and international competition framework that Special Olympics Saudi Arabia operates under. Most directly comparable as the umbrella federation for IDD sports worldwide.
• Saudi Paralympic Committee: Saudi national body governing Paralympic (physical disability) sports. Closest peer within Saudi Arabia, sharing the same governing federation (Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee), overlapping ministry support, and serving adjacent disability-sport populations.
• Special Olympics MENA: Regional office of Special Olympics International covering the Middle East and North Africa. Directly comparable as the regional governance layer that organizes the MENA Regional Beach Games and equestrian competitions in which Saudi Arabia participates.
• Special Olympics UAE: National Special Olympics program for the United Arab Emirates. Comparable in scope (IDD athletes, GCC region, similar Vision-style government backing) and frequently competes with Saudi Arabia at MENA regional events such as equestrian and beach games.
• Special Olympics USA: Largest Special Olympics national program in the world. Comparable as a national federation for IDD sports with similar program portfolio (Young Athletes, Healthy Athletes, Unified Schools), though operating at materially larger scale.
• Special Olympics Egypt: National Special Olympics program for Egypt, a major MENA regional counterpart with a longer operating history, similar athlete base, and frequent competitor at regional championships. Comparable organizational model and federation structure.

Broad incumbents

• Saudi Olympic Committee: The overarching Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee that charters Special Olympics Saudi Arabia. Operates broadly across all Olympic sports in the kingdom and is the apex governance body under which Special Olympics Saudi Arabia operates.

Emerging players

• Special Olympics Pakistan: Another Special Olympics national program in the broader MENA/Asia region. Comparable organizational model serving IDD athletes across multiple sports, often competing at the same Asia-Pacific championships.

Regional players

• King Salman Center for Disability Research: Saudi national research center focused on disability. Direct strategic partner of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia (signed cooperation agreement November 2025), and comparable as a Saudi institution advancing disability inclusion through research and program development.
• Saudi Sports for All Federation: Saudi federation promoting mass participation in sport under Vision 2030's Quality of Life program. Adjacent in mission and government alignment, and partially overlaps with inclusion objectives, though focused on general population rather than IDD-specific programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Special Olympics Saudi Arabia