BRAND NEW: Our Impact Report for 2024-2025 is out now! See what we’ve been working on over the previous year.

Special Olympics | Inclusive sport in Norfolk

Sport has the power to change lives

Our partnership with Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB) is helping make that happen here in Norfolk. We create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to be active, confident, and connected.

Our partnership with Special Olympics

Active Norfolk is proud to be the only Active Partnership in the UK directly working with Special Olympics GB to grow inclusive sport at a local level. 

Together with Special Olympics Norfolk, we’re breaking down barriers to participation and helping more people with intellectual disabilities experience the joy and confidence that comes through sport.

Our work includes:

  • Supporting club development, safeguarding, and volunteer training 
  • Hosting inclusive festivals and “come and try” events
  • Connecting athletes and clubs with local opportunities 
  • Raising awareness through campaigns and storytelling

"From being a novice and only started skiing at the age of 17 due to a holiday invite, I have grown into an Alpine ski competitor at the highest level in Special Olympics. I’ve competed nationally and I’m off to the world Winter games in March 2025!"
Annabelle Lamb SO Norfolk Athlete and World Winter Games 2025 Competitor – alpine skiing

"Special Olympics has definitely had a positive impact on my life. My biggest achievement to date is representing SO Norfolk and winning a gold medal, which now takes pride of place in my house."
Harrison Taylor SO Norfolk

"Working with Active Norfolk has enabled us to explore partnerships with new sports, access to work with NGBs which we didn't previously have, providing the ability to grow Special Olympics Norfolk more than we could achieve on our own.” Nicola SO Norfolk Volunteer and parent “Special Olympics allowed me to learn at my own pace, giving me the confidence to get up again and carry on. It was fun even when you don’t win or you come last. It has changed my life completely."
Annabelle Lamb SO Norfolk Athlete and World Winter Games 2025 Competitor – alpine skiing
"The partnership has been immensely valuable – it’s meant we can actually crack on and support our club without the huge and sometimes onerous responsibilities that sit on the shoulders of few volunteers. It’s been a massive help." Kay SO Norfolk Volunteer
"I take part in a range of other sports such as swimming and football. Special Olympics Norfolk has improved my overall fitness and coordination, as well as boosting my confidence around other peers."
Harrison Taylor SO Norfolk Athlete – athletics
“This partnership has been a vital and exciting step in the right direction for Special Olympics GB club and community development, and furthermore for the sector by defining a blueprint for National Disability Sport connectivity."
Emma Kane-McGuigan Head of Network, Special Olympics GB

Stories from the heart of Special Olympics

Behind every event are the people who make it matter. Explore stories of athletes, coaches, and volunteers who are helping inclusion thrive in Norfolk. 

Get involved with Special Olympics

Whether you want to play, volunteer, or support the movement, there’s a place for you in the Special Olympics community. 

See how you can get involved with the Special Olympics. Get in touch with us about Special Olympics Visit Special Olympics GB to find out more about and what they do. Find out more about Special Olympics GB Read more about the work we do with Special Olympics in our impact report. Find out more about our work with Special Olympics Explore More