In 2003, Special Olympics China launched Special Olympics University Project in a cooperative effort with the Chinese Ministry of Education and Special Olympics East Asia Regional Office. Physical education universities and normal universities in China are selected as model universities that will increase both the quantity and quality of trained Special Olympics coaches, volunteers, and leaders through utilizing human resources and facilities at universities. These future educators will be committed to the development of Special Olympics movement in China.

A specially-designed Special Olympics University curriculum has been introduced to many universities in Mainland China as optional course with credit points. The university students receive classroom training and complete practical experiences such as coaching Special Olympics athletes at special schools, organizing competitions on their campuses, conducting research projects, and hosting special events for our athletes.  As a direct outcome of the project, the Universities will become hubs of activities providing new opportunities for our athletes, coaches, and family members to participate in the activities on and off Special Olympics field

Since 2005, Special Olympics University Project has been expanded to the rest of Programs within Special Olympics East Asia Region including Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau and Korea. Currently, the teachers and professors from more than 100 universities in East Asia Region have attended the training of Special Olympics and initiated the organization of Special Olympics activities at their university campuses. Thousands of university volunteers serve various Special Olympics activities and events actively and contribute through their professionals and dedication spirit to promote sustainable and further development of Special Olympics movement and advocate Special Olympics values and beliefs of Equality, Acceptance and Inclusion.