"Be a fan" Public Education Campaign

Special Olympics' new, nationwide "Be a fan" public education campaign is designed to send a powerful message that resonates with the people of all walks of life by tapping into core values and attributes that everyone can appreciate, like unity, acceptance, empowerment, dignity, courage, strength, pride, confidence and fun.

While Special Olympics enjoys worldwide familiarity and is met with great favor, our research revealed that a great gap exists between knowing about Special Olympics and understanding its relevance to the greater public. In other words "if I don't have a child or relative with special needs, how is Special Olympics relevant to my life?"

The relevance is that Special Olympics is a global agent for giving voice, dignity and significance to one of the world's largest, yet most disenfranchised populations. Through involvement, through support, and through understanding, people with and without developmental disabilities can create a world of inclusion and acceptance.

By reminding people that the qualities we all admire and aspire to are demonstrated, every day, by the athletes of Special Olympics, we're simultaneously inviting everyone to become fans of Special Olympics!

It works like this: "Are you a fan of courage? Of joy? Of those who are always brave in the attempt? Then you're already a fan of Special Olympics! Why not make it official? Coach. Support. Participate."

We have developed a series of print, radio and television public service announcements to help you, our media partners, help us in our efforts to increase volunteerism, participation, support and awareness.

As a media outlet, you have the power to help us by sharing our needs with your viewers, readers and listeners. We encourage you to download and customize, if needed, these PSAs, and should you need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact Special Olympics Florida!

For more information and assistance, contact Amie Dugan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (352) 243-9536 x 506 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

And "thank you," in advance, for being fans of Special Olympics!