Stories
These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.
Lift Where You Stand
On February 1st, 2026, about fifteen athletes from Special Olympics Connecticut - North Haven walked into Choate Rosemary Hall’s Larry Hart Pool, and about thirty Choate students were already in the lobby waiting for them. We warmed up first, and then we paired each Special Olympics athlete with a Choate swimmer. People swam a few easy laps, learned each other's names, and showed off their favorite “cellys” (celebrations done after winning a race). Then we ran relays, and nobody won them. Everyone got a medal, which was the only result any of us wanted. Afterward, everyone walked across campus to the dining hall and ate a meal at the same tables, and to this day I still remember the feeling in the air as the best there ever was.
5 Min Read
Alumni Leadership Network Spotlight: Beth Aldridge
Beth’s journey with Special Olympics began the way many meaningful stories do, unexpectedly, and with a simple ask.
4 Min Read
Inviting All Media! Santiago Gears Up for Invitational Games One Year Ahead of Special Olympics World Games
The Special Olympics Invitational Games—Road to Santiago 2027, is just around the corner and athletes, Unified partners (athletes without disability), coaches, family members, and friends from Latin America and around the world are preparing to head to the Chilean capital for the international competition.
2 Min Read
The World Games Santiago 2027 Mascot is Coming Soon
The co-creation process for the official mascot of the Santiago 2027 Special Olympics World Games has kicked off.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Switzerland Re-Launches Health Program with First Annual Health Congress
The inaugural conference called for action on health equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
3 Min Read
From Sport Development to Sport for Development: Thailand Building Inclusion Through Sport
In the lead up to the Cup, Special Olympics Thailand and its partners utilized Sport for Development practices, as part of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, using sport as a catalyst for social inclusion, education, health, and community development.
1 Min Read
Six Decades of Creating Opportunities and Accelerating Possibilities Through Sport: The Coca-Cola Company and Special Olympics
A history of the 60-year partnership between Special Olympics and The Coca-Cola Company.
1 Min Read
A Lifelong Journey of Health, Perseverance, and Purpose: Shadia’s Story
Every year, Family Health and Fitness Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in September.
3 Min Read
“Pure Energy, Joy And Excitement.”: Andrei Ungureanu of UPS Reflects on the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games
Andrei Ungureanu, UPS Nordic Focus on Abilities BRG Chair, reflects on the joyful Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2026 and the fun-filled UPS activation.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Uganda Delivers Coach Training in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement
Unified with Refugees initiative equips teachers, coaches and volunteers with the skills to expand Unified Sports opportunities for refugees and host communities, creating a stronger foundation for sustainable inclusion through sport.
2 Min Read
Supporting Athletes Beyond the Field: Special Olympics Lebanon’s Aging Athletes Program
September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to promote healthy habits and encourage adults to take positive steps toward their health as they grow older.
1 Min Read
A Kitchen Built on Inclusion
How Special Olympics, Lions Club International Foundation, and World Food Program USA United for the Tegwyn Special Unit
3 Min Read