Special Olympics (SO) Singapore was set up in April 1983 as an adjunct committee of the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and the Association for Educationally Sub-Normal Children now known as Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN). Subsequently, it was officially registered as an independent voluntary welfare organisation with the Registrar of Societies on 15 January 1991 and as a charity with the Commissioner of Charities on 22 February 1994. SO Singapore is affiliated to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC). SO Singapore is recognised by Sport Singapore, formerly known as Singapore Sports Council, as a National Sports Association (NSA). SO Singapore is also a certified Institute of Public Character (IPC) organisation.

To promote and provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.