MPF Logo

With a shared mission to provide opportunities in the sport of swimming to people of all ages and abilities, Michael was officially named a Special Olympics Global Ambassador in 2011.  That year, the Michael Phelps Foundation IM Program became the Official Swimming Program for Special Olympics and expanded the program to include people with varying intellectual abilities.  This collaboration led to a ground-breaking international pilot program spanning seven countries and six continents. Since its inception, thousands of Special Olympics participants in 35 countries have been given the opportunity and encouragement to become more comfortable, confident, and faster in the water.

Special Olympics Partnership


With a shared mission to provide opportunities in the sport of swimming to people of all ages and abilities, Michael was officially named a Special Olympics Global Ambassador in 2011.  That year, the Michael Phelps Foundation IM Program became the Official Swimming Program for Special Olympics and expanded the program to include people with varying intellectual abilities.  This collaboration led to a ground-breaking international pilot program spanning seven countries and six continents. Since its inception, thousands of Special Olympics participants in 35 countries have been given the opportunity and encouragement to become more comfortable, confident, and faster in the water.

See a full list of our clubs and teams

IM FRIEND

Who: Special Olympics Coaches or potential Coaches
Prerequisites: Download the Special Olympics Swimming Coaching Guide and become familiar with the resource.  Must be in good standing as a Special Olympics volunteer/coach.
Overview: The IM FRIEND program is an online informational training video.  Coaches will receive an introduction to the Michael Phelps Foundation and the collaboration with Special Olympics.  The IM FRIEND is required before receiving access to the IM COACH Levels.
To Register: View IM FRIEND video below.
Approximate Time: 30 minutes

IM COACH LEVEL 1

Who: Special Olympics Coaches who have completed IM FRIEND
Prerequisites: IM FRIEND Prerequisites/Training.
Overview: The IM COACH LEVEL 1 will give you access to the Michael Phelps Foundation training portal.  You will complete various training videos and short quizzes to familiarize yourself with the program philosophies and techniques. IM COACH LEVEL 1 is required before attending an in-person IM COACH LEVEL 2 training.
To Register: Send an email to [email protected] that includes your name, email, and organizations and a brief description of your current role and why you want to be an IM COACH
Approximate Time: 45 minutes

IM COACH LEVEL 2

Who: Special Olympics Coaches who have completed IM COACH LEVEL 1.
Prerequisites: IM FRIEND Training, IM COACH LEVEL 1 Training.
Overview: The IM COACH LEVEL 2 is in-person, in-water training.  You will go more in-depth with drills and practice the techniques covered in previous training.  You will have practice teachings with your cohort and be provided with networking opportunities.
To Register: All coaches completing the IM COACH LEVEL 1 Training will be invited to apply for the IM COACH LEVEL 2 Training.  Coaches will be chosen based on experience and availability of trainings.
Approximate Time: 4 hours

IM CHAMPION COACH

Who: Special Olympics Coaches who have completed IM COACH LEVEL 2.
Prerequisites: IM FRIEND Training, IM COACH LEVEL 1 Training, IM COACH LEVEL 2 Training.
Overview: The IM CHAMPION COACH is a comprehensive 2-3 day training.  You will go through all aspects of the IM Program and more stroke work.  You will cover Special Olympics rules and regulations, opportunities, and more.  Once you have been awarded the IM CHAMPION COACH level, you will be expected to assist in hosting the IM COACH LEVEL 2 Trainings.
To Register: IM COACH LEVEL 2 coaches will be invited to apply for IM CHAMPION COACH Training based on experience and recommendations.
Approximate Time: 14 hours

For more information, please email [email protected].

RESOURCES

Special Olympics Swimming Coaches Guide (English) / Special Olympics Swimming Coaches Guide (Spanish) 

IM Coaches Cards – Strong Minds (Emotional Health) /Coaches Cards (Spanish)

Trainual (IM Coach Resources)

Young Athletes

IM Healthy and IM Successful (Spanish)