Special Olympics Bangladesh

welcome To SOBD

We Can, We Inspire,
We Empower.

Special Olympics Bangladesh is more than a sports organization — we are a movement of inclusion, opportunity, and joy. Together, we transform lives through sports, health, leadership, and community well-being.

play video to Know Us

Special Olympics Bangladesh athletes training on the field
Unified Sports teammates—athletes and partners—celebrating after a match

We have trained 70000+ athletes nationwide

about us

Building inclusion through sport since 1994

Special Olympics Bangladesh (founded in 1994 under the leadership of Ashraf Dowla) is part of the world’s largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities. Guided by a committed Board of Directors, we deliver year-round training and competitions in 12 Olympic-type sports, expand access to health and fitness, and grow leadership opportunities—so athletes can build fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and be accepted and respected in their communities.

Our Reach

From Training to Inclusion—Across 64 Districts

We create lasting change through year-round sport, health, and leadership programs for people with intellectual disabilities—powered by families, volunteers, and Unified partners nationwide.

Special Olympics Bangladesh athlete sprinting during a track event.

Athletes

Our athletes are the core of Special Olympics Bangladesh. We empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to enhance their physical abilities, build confidence, and foster inclusion through sports.

Young Athletes session with children practicing balance and coordination.

Young Athletes

Our Young Athletes program introduces children with intellectual disabilities to sports, promoting early physical development, motor skills, and social inclusion.

Parents and caregivers cheering athletes at a local competition.

Unified Partner

Unified Partners play a vital role in Special Olympics by joining athletes with intellectual disabilities on the same teams.

Unified Sports team of athletes and partners celebrating together.

Families

Families are essential to the success of our athletes. Special Olympics Bangladesh supports families by creating a strong community where they can share experiences.

what we do

We use sport, health, and leadership to build inclusion—every day, across Bangladesh.

Sports Training & Competitions

Year-round coaching in 12 Olympic-type sports—from local talent hunts to National Games and World stages—so athletes build fitness, skills, and confidence.

Health & Fitness (Healthy Athletes)

Free health screenings, referrals, and follow-up care plus weekly fitness and MATP—ensuring every athlete can train safely and perform at their best.

Unified Sports & School

Students and peers without intellectual disabilities team up with athletes on the same field, bringing respect and inclusion to schools, colleges, and communities.

Special Olympics Bangladesh athletes training together on a field
Unified Sports teammates—athletes and partners—celebrating after a match

Our Impact

Inclusion at scale—training, health, and leadership across Bangladesh

From local talent hunts to National Games and international stages, we support athletes with intellectual disabilities through year-round coaching, health screenings, family networks, and Unified Sports—active in every division.

  • Year-round sports & competitions
  • Healthy Athletes screenings & follow-up
  • Unified Sports in schools & communities
  • Athlete leadership & family support

70,000+

Athletes trained

64

Districts reached

12

Sports offered

Join Our Movement

Everyone has a role on our team

Help transform lives through year-round sport, health, and leadership. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a family member, or a partner—there’s a place for you.

Special Olympics Bangladesh athlete sprinting during a track event

Athletes

The heart of Special Olympics Bangladesh. Train year-round in 12 Olympic-type sports, build fitness and confidence, and compete from local meets to national and international stages—while fostering true inclusion.

Children practicing balance in a Young Athletes session

Young Athletes (Ages 2–8)

A play-based introduction to sport for children with intellectual disabilities—developing motor skills, balance, and coordination, and strengthening social inclusion with parents and caregivers involved.

Parents and caregivers cheering athletes at a local competition

Families

Families are our strongest teammates. Connect through Family Forums and NFIC, access guidance on training and health, and celebrate every milestone together within a supportive community.

Unified

Partner

Students, peers, and community members team up with athletes on the same field—building respect, teamwork, and inclusion in schools and neighborhoods through Unified Sports.

our program

Empowering our programs

We deliver year-round training and competitions, free health screenings, and Unified programs in schools—so athletes with intellectual disabilities can build fitness, confidence, and leadership across all 64 districts.

Our Young Athletest

The Young Athletes Program of Special Olympics Bangladesh is designed....

Our Families

The Young Athletes Program of Special Olympics Bangladesh is designed....

Inspiring Abilities Uniting Hearts Inspiring Abilities Uniting Hearts Inspiring Abilities Uniting Hearts
Inspiring Abilities Uniting Hearts Inspiring Abilities Uniting Hearts Inspiring Abilities Uniting Hearts

latest post

Stories of impact and hope

Explore inspiring stories and updates about our initiatives, successes, and the lives we've touched. See how your support is creating real, lasting change in communities worldwide.

800+

community stories

Testimonials

What our athletes, families, and partners say

Farhana Akter Rabyea

Parent, Dhaka

“Special Olympics gave my son confidence I’d only dreamed of. He trains, competes, and—most importantly—belongs. Our whole family found a community here.”

Tanvir Ahmed

Unified partner, university student

"Playing on the same team changed how I see ability. We learned to trust each other, and I gained a teammate—and a friend—for life."

Dr. Nabila Chowdhury

Healthy Athletes volunteer physician

"The screenings catch issues early and keep athletes safe to train. Watching them return stronger each season is the best reward."