Development of Special Olympics in China: Competition, inclusion, research, and future

The purposes of this study were to describe and analyze the development of the Special Olympics programs in China, and provide a historical document to outline and understand the past, current, and future of development of the Special Olympics China. Three major data sources were used for this study: governmental policy, official statistics, and publications related with China Special Olympics or events. Results indicated that although Special Olympics China showed the fastest growth in its number of athletes in the world, Special Olympics programs are accessible to elite athletes only. There is a lack of empirical studies and community programs for full participation for every individual with intellectual disabilities. Copyright © 2011 Sagamore Pub.