April 30, 2012
Special Olympics Announces Additions to International Board of Directors
Special Olympics Announces Additions to International Board of Directors Board of Directors and Unanimously votes Graz Schladming (Styria, Austria) to host 2017 World Winter Games.
read more ››April 17, 2012
Finish Line and Special Olympics Announce Multi-Year Partnership
Finish Line and Special Olympics Announce Multi-Year Partnership: Finish Line Launches Support of Special Olympics and its New TRAIN Athlete Sports Assessment and Nutrition Education Program
read more ››April 11, 2012
Lauren Alaina Becomes Special Olympics Project UNIFY® Ambassador
SocialLauren Alaina Becomes Special Olympics Project UNIFY® Ambassador Performs hit songs as part of National Service Learning Conference® 2012 04 11Minneapolis, MN 11 April 2012 –Special Olympics Project UNIFY® announced Lauren Alaina, American Idol Season 10 runner up, as a
read more ››March 26, 2012
Special Olympics and Lionbridge Expand Partnership to Offer Special Olympics Website in Six Languages
Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIOX), a leading provider of translation, development and testing solutions, today announced that it has expanded its long-standing relationship with Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. With this partnership, Lionbridge will now donate translation services for Special Olympics’ global website, www.specialolympics.org, across multiple languages – expanding from English to now also include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.
read more ››March 5, 2012
How Has The R-Word Impacted You?
Special Olympics and Best Buddies Ask Supporters to Share Their Stories as Part of the 4th Annual Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Day
read more ››February 27, 2012
Special Olympics and NBA Unite at 2012 All-Star Weekend
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Special Olympics held the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities.
read more ››February 14, 2012
2019 Special Olympics World Games Finalists Announced
Special Olympics International has announced three finalists from the following countries who have submitted bids to host the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2019 Australia, Germany, South Africa.
read more ››February 13, 2012
NBA, Special Olympics Team Up For First-Ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game at NBA All-Star 2012
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Special Olympics today announced the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game, which will take place as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Orlando. With support from The Coca-Cola Company, the game will tip off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session on Sunday, Feb. 26.
read more ››February 9, 2012
Special Olympics Athletes and Best Buddies Participants Spend Day on Capitol Hill Advocating For Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act
Special Olympics and Best Buddies participants and supporters joined together yesterday on Capitol Hill to meet with America’s elected leaders to urge continued commitment to the work of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are top of the mind when critical decisions are made for the country.
read more ››February 7, 2012
Media Alert for Capitol Hill Day
Special Olympics and Best Buddies participants and supporters will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with America’s elected leaders to urge continued commitment to the work of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are top of the mind when critical decisions are made for the country.
read more ››February 6, 2012
Gold Medalist Apolo Ohno Tours Asia in Support of Special Olympics
Olympic gold medalist Apolo Ohno is headed to Asia the 9thto 15th of February to bring awareness to the incredible power of Special Olympics, promote the Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013, and to unite the world in acceptance of all people with intellectual disabilities.
read more ››February 3, 2012
Special Olympics & Best Buddies Converge on Capitol Hill to Urge for Critical Government Support
Special Olympics & Best Buddies Converge on Capitol Hill to Urge for Critical Government Support
read more ››January 29, 2012
Korea Celebrates One Year Until the Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013
Seoul, South Korea – 29 January 2012 - With one year to go, in a lively celebration in Seoul City Hall Plaza, the city of Seoul gathered together uniting around Special Olympics and the Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held in PyeongChang in 2013. In January 2013, Korea will open its arms to more than 2,300 Special Olympics athletes from over 100 countries for the Winter Games featuring seven Olympic-type sports in the same place the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held.
read more ››January 26, 2012
Special Olympics Chairman Speaks On Global Unity in Davos; Korea
Dr. Timothy P. Shriver Attends World Economic Forum Followed by South Korea for Celebration of One-Year Countdown to Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013
read more ››January 25, 2012
MEDIA ALERT: Press Event Celebrates 365 Days to Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang
This page has details for global media regarding celebratory press event in Seoul, Korea. Details are included for both on-site media as well as links to digital resources for press who cannot attend.
read more ››December 21, 2011
Special Olympics Awarded U.S. Department of State Grant
Special Olympics has been awarded a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of State to support a coaching fellowship to recruit and train high level Special Olympics coaches and leaders from the United States, Serbia, and Montenegro. A total of 20 fellows from the United States, Serbia, and Montenegro will participate in various 10-day workshops focused on recruiting and training high-level coaches and adapting their skills to work with athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in soccer (football) and volleyball.
read more ››November 18, 2011
Special Olympics Strengthens Ties at IOC and FIFA
Earlier this week Special Olympics Chairman and CEO, Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, traveled to Switzerland and met with the Presidents of two of the leading sports organizations in the world: the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body for the sport of football, to discuss how on-going collaboration can help improve the world through the power of sport.
read more ››September 29, 2011
Dani Alves Da Silva Becomes Special Olympics Ambassador for Global Football
Brazilian football star and FC Barcelona defender, Dani Alves Da Silva (Dani Alves) has today been appointed as a Special Olympics Ambassador for Global Football.
read more ››September 24, 2011
China's Yang Lan Named Global Ambassador for Special Olympics
Special Olympics today announced the appointment of Ms. Yang Lan, one of China's most prominent media entrepreneurs, talk show host and chairperson of Sun Culture Foundation, as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.
read more ››September 22, 2011
Second Annual Global Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day Honors the Late Founder of Special Olympics
This Saturday, 24 September, people around the world will unite to celebrate the spirit and legacy of Special Olympics’ late founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS), on the second annual EKS Day by commemorating a day of service in her name.
read more ››September 14, 2011
Los Angeles to Host 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
The world’s largest sports and humanitarian event is coming to the world’s capital for media and entertainment.
read more ››August 25, 2011
Special Olympics Ranked Number One for People With Disabilities by Philanthropedia
Special Olympics has earned the number one spot on a newly released national list of high-impact non-profit organizations serving people with disabilities.The ranking came from Philanthropedia, a subsidiary of industry non-profit data leader Guidestar, which evaluates nonprofit effectiveness.
read more ››August 18, 2011
Yuna Kim, 'Figure Skating Queen,' Named Special Olympics Global Ambassador
Today Special Olympics appointed Yuna Kim, reigning women’s figure skating Olympic champion, as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.YShe was also an ambassador for the PyeongChang Bid Committee for the 2018 Winter Olympics and will now start a new journey to promote Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013.
read more ››August 1, 2011
Michael Phelps Becomes Special Olympics' Newest Global Ambassador
Following the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai, China, Special Olympics announced a new partnership with the Michael Phelps Foundation and appointed the international swimming legend as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.
read more ››July 26, 2011
Harrington Goes for Irish Golf Title Wearing the Laces for Special Olympics
Three time Major Champion and Global Ambassador for Special Olympics, Padraig Harrington will Wear the Laces for Special Olympics in his bid to recapture the Irish Golf Open Championship at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Co. Kerry, Ireland, from July 28th to July 31st.
read more ››July 20, 2011
Anniversary of First Special Olympics Celebrates Legacy of Recent World Games in Greece
Today, on the anniversary of the first-ever Special Olympics that were held 20 July 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois (USA), Special Olympics reflects on the legacy of the Special Olympics Summer World Games ATHENS 2011.
read more ››July 20, 2011
Manchester United and Special Olympics Unite to Celebrate Teamwork
Special Olympics has partnered with Manchester United for a series of skill-building clinics led by club coaches and star players as the team takes a five-city tour of the United States this summer.
read more ››July 3, 2011
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 Closes with Celebration of Athletes & Volunteers
Tomorrow evening on Monday 4 July, Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 will come to a close after 10 days of competition among nearly 7000 athletes from almost 180 countries.
read more ››July 1, 2011
Another Demonstration
Violent protests, tear gas, and broken glass in Syntagma square top the international headlines but the people of Greece led another demonstration this week.
read more ››June 28, 2011
The Hear the World Foundation Gives Hundreds of Hearing Instruments to 2011 Special Olympcis Athletes
From June 25 to July 4, Athens, Greece will host more than 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 170 countries for the 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games.
read more ››June 27, 2011
Coca-Cola Marketing Campaigns Put Spotlight on Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011
Harnessing the power of an integrated marketing campaign that includes engagement via social media, in-store retail displays, fund-raising activities, employee volunteers, a television commercial and experiential activity, The Coca-Cola Company is creating greater awareness for the Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011.
read more ››June 27, 2011
Europeans Most Open to Those with Intellectual Disabilities Education may play a role in receptivitiy
SocialEuropeans Most Open to Those with Intellectual Disabilities Education may play a role in receptivitiyFor Immediate Releaseby Cynthia English and Gale Muller WASHINGTON, D.C. Gallup surveys in 112 countries in 2010 show people's perceptions of how receptive their communities are
read more ››June 27, 2011
In the Birthplace of the Olympics, Special Olympics and UNICEF Join Efforts to Fight Marginalization of Children with Disabilities
Against the backdrop of Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Special Olympics and UNICEF today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their joint commitment to uphold the rights, dignity and inclusion of children with disabilities.
read more ››June 27, 2011
Special Olympics and Global Sports community Using Sport to Create Social Change
Today, for the first time in the history of the Special Olympics Movement, leadership from all corners of the global sports community gathered in one room at Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 to address how Special Olympics utilizes the power of sport to create social change and inclusion and to promote development and peace.
read more ››June 26, 2011
Maria Shriver and Other Dignitaries Gather to Unveil the Special Olympics' Eunice Kennedy Shriver Plaque in Athens, Greece
Maria Shriver and other dignitaries gathered for the unveiling of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Park today in Athens, Greece, to honor the memory and monumental contributions of the Special Olympics founder as part of the World Summer Games 2011.
read more ››June 25, 2011
Special Olympics Returns to the Birthplace of Sport in a Historic Opening Ceremony
“I think we’re home,” said Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics as he welcomed an enthusiastic crowd to the historic Kallimarmaron Panthinaikon Olympic Stadium - site of the first Olympic Games of the modern era - on a beautiful summer night in Athens, Greece. Shriver and Special Olympics World Summer Games Organizing President Joanna Despotopoulou greeted the audience. Then the moment everyone was waiting for, the parade of athletes, began as more than 7,000 athletes from nearly 180 nations made their way into the stadium to roaring applause from the fans. Also attending: legendary singer, songwriter, musician and producer Stevie Wonder; and performers Vanessa Williams; Alkistis Protopsalti, tenor Vittorio Grigolo, and also special presentations by actress Zhang Ziyi and actress Maria Menounos.
read more ››June 24, 2011
Hilton Worldwide Named Official Hotel Sponsor of Special Olympics
Hilton Worldwide today announced that the company is the official hotel sponsor of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 in Athens, Greece, and of Special Olympics International through 2014.
read more ››June 24, 2011
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 Opens Tomorrow with Celebrities and Dignitaries From Around the World
At a star-studded opening ceremony on the night of Saturday, 25 June, Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 will officially be under way.
read more ››June 23, 2011
Celebrities, Olympians and Special Olympics Athletes Unite for Unity Sports Events at World GamesNew exhibition events debuted at World Games Athens 2011
Special Olympics will introduce a new sports exhibition at the World Games, Unity Sports Events, a series of competitions that pair people with and without intellectual disabilities to compete alongside one another on the field of play.
read more ››June 23, 2011
Dr. Jill Biden to Lead Presidential Delegation to the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games
On Friday, June 24th, Dr. Jill Biden will lead a Presidential Delegation to the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece
read more ››June 22, 2011
President Obama Announces the Designation of a Presidential Delegation to Athens, Greece to Attend the Special Olympics World Summer Games
President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Athens, Greece to attend the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
read more ››June 21, 2011
Celebrate: Special Olympics
Special Olympics International & Hilton HHonors invite media to a special reception honoring the athletes and volunteers of the World Summer Games.
read more ››June 20, 2011
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011: Delegations from All Over the World are Arriving in Greece
The official Delegations of Special Olympics athletes, staff and coaches have begun to arrive in Athens from all over the world to the official Delegation Welcome Center at the Metropolitan Expo, full of enthusiasm and great expectations for the upcoming World Games.
read more ››June 17, 2011
How Broadcasters Can Cover Our World Games
We need the support of broadcasters worldwide to showcase the power of Special Olympics and our athletes to a global audience.
read more ››June 7, 2011
Flame of Hope Torch Lighting for the Special Olympics 2011 World Summer Games in Athens to Happen this Thursday at Traditional Ceremony
On this Thursday, 9 June at 10:00 am (Athens time), the Flame of Hope for Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 will be lit during a formal torch lighting ceremony.
read more ››May 26, 2011
Facebook Executive and Music Artist Added To Special Olympics International Board of Directors
Special Olympics International has elected two new members to its Board of Directors: Facebook executive, Katie Mitic, and Argentine-Venezuela singer and songwriter, Ricardo Montaner.
read more ››May 19, 2011
Flame of Hope for Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 Embarks on a Journey Across Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus Throughout June
On 9 June the Flame of Hope for Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 will be lit by the suns’ rays at the Sacred Site of Pnyx, opposite the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, formally launching the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) Final Leg.
read more ››May 12, 2011
The Official Emblem & Mascots for 2013 Pyeongchang Special Olympics World Winter Games announced
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Organizing Committee Pyeongchang 2013 announced its official emblem and mascots at Timesquare, Yeongdeungpo in Seoul where Kyung Won Na, Congresswoman, Brady Lum, President of Special Olympics International, Yiruma, Pianist, Jin-ho Kim, professional swimmer, Kyung-joo Nam, Actor and 200 Special Olympics supporters also attended.
read more ››May 10, 2011
Summer Games Media Coverage
Collection of links to coverage of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 in Athens, Greece.
read more ››May 9, 2011
AT&T Joins Forces with Special Olympics to Support Athletes Across the Country
AT&T* and Special Olympics announced today the launch of a new cause-related marketing initiative to support the organization and its mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
read more ››May 5, 2011
Procter & Gamble Honors Moms of Special Olympics Athletes by Supporting the Global Movement and Special Olympics Team USA's Journey to the Upcoming World Games
Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG), proud partner of Special Olympics for thirty-one years, announced today a program that honors Special Olympics moms by supporting their sons and daughters with a gift to Special Olympics of $250,000 to support local programs and services.
read more ››April 27, 2011
Lovin Scoopful Honors Compassionate Youth
Lovin’ Scoopful, a premium ice cream company founded by Maria Shriver, Tim Shriver and partners to benefit nonprofits that support those with intellectual challenges, is excited to announce its new Lovin’ Compassion Award that recognizes young visionaries who are involved in programs that foster respect, inclusion and a true personal connection for people with differences.
read more ››April 14, 2011
Foreign Correspondents and Embassies Educated About Special Olympics Movement, Legacy and Upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011
At a reception in the center of Athens today, foreign media correspondents and press attaches from local Embassies were welcomed by Special Olympics executives to learn more about the organization and their upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011.
read more ››April 8, 2011
Special Olympics Wins Prestigious Spirit Of Sport Award
Today during the SportAccord meetings in London, in the presence of more than 60 International Sports Federations, Special Olympics was awarded the prestigious “Spirit of Sport” Award.
read more ››April 6, 2011
New Partnership to Provide Hearing Aids Free to Special Olympics Athletes
Special Olympics athletes with hearing impairments will finally be able to enjoy the roars of the cheering crowds as they compete, thanks to a three-year agreement between Phonak US and the Special Olympics Healthy Hearing program.
read more ››March 28, 2011
Red Robin Raises Record-Breaking $744,000 during National Tip-A-Cop Events to Support Special Olympics
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin) and law enforcement officers in cities across the country raised a record-breaking $744,000 during national in-restaurant Tip-A-Cop events and a week-long burger fundraiser to support Special Olympics.
read more ››March 18, 2011
FIP and Special Olympics Partner to Bring Fit Feet Health Services to More Athletes
Special Olympics International and the International Federation of Podiatrists/Fédération Internationale des Podologues (FIP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today. This MOU secures a partnership to expand the Special Olympics Fit Feet program and help Special Olympics Athletes correct gait problems, bone deformation, and other conditions that affect their health and well-being.
read more ››March 17, 2011
100-Day Countdown Celebrated for Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 in Athens, Greece
Today marks 100 days to go until the world’s most inspiring sporting event, the Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011.
read more ››March 16, 2011
Peace Corps and Special Olympics to Collaborate on Global Initiatives
The Peace Corps and Special Olympics announce a joint collaboration to increase opportunities to support youth and people with intellectual disabilities through innovative programs around the world.
read more ››March 15, 2011
New Jersey to Host 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games
Special Olympics announced today that New Jersey has been selected to host the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games. The announcement was made at a 1 p.m. press conference at The Prudential Center in Newark. The event was sponsored by the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, who will also be the hosts of the Games’ Opening Ceremonies.
read more ››March 8, 2011
Special Olympics’ Kathryn Clark Honored With Peace Corps’ Kennedy Service Award
Over the weekend Special Olympics’ Director of Athlete Leadership Programs Kathryn Clark was one of six members of the Peace Corps family to be honored with receiving the 2011 John F. Kennedy Service Award.
read more ››March 3, 2011
Special Olympics and Best Buddies International Urge Congress- "Don't Send People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities into the Dark"
Special Olympics and Best Buddies International joined together yesterday on Capitol Hill to urge members of the House and Senate to continue a national commitment by the U.S. Congress to support both programs through partial funding.
read more ››February 16, 2011
Special Olympics International Board of Directors Adds Republic of Korea Congresswoman Na Kyung Won
Special Olympics International has elected a new member to its Board of Directors, Congresswoman Na Kyung Won, from the Republic of Korea.
read more ››February 7, 2011
America’s Strongest Man and “World’s Strongest” Police Officer Derek Poundstone Joins Special Olympics As Law Enforcement Torch Run® Global Ambassador
Special Olympics announced on Saturday that America’s Strongest Man and Naugatuck, CT police officer Derek Poundstone has joined the Special Olympics family as the Movement’s first-ever Law Enforcement Torch Run® Global Ambassador.
read more ››January 26, 2011
Walmart Foundation Boosts Support for Special Olympics Health Programs with $500,000 in Grants
Long-time Special Olympics supporter the Walmart Foundation has awarded $500,000 to Special Olympics in order to maintain the Healthy Athletes® initiatives run by its state Programs across the U.S., as well as enhance the quality and capacity of health-related events.
read more ››January 18, 2011
Statement from The Shriver Family
Our dad, Robert Sargent Shriver, Jr., lovingly known as "Sarge," today went to heaven to join the love of his life, our mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver
read more ››January 15, 2011
NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Special Olympics Officialy Team-Up
The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Special Olympics announced a partnership during the Division III business session, part of the NCAA Convention.
read more ››January 4, 2011
2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games Finalists Announced
Special Olympics International has announced two finalists to host the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015: Los Angeles, California and South Africa.
read more ››