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.
Sport at the Heart of Social Inclusion and Education: Niger Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Ministry of Population, Social Action and National Solidarity commits to boosting inclusive sport and education in Niger
2 Min Read
They’ve Been There. They Want to Change It.
Eleven Projects that Could Change Special Olympics from the Ground Up
5 Min Read
Trained, Transformed, Impatient
Athlete leaders attending the 2026 SONA Regional Athlete Congress explain why they are done merely talking; they are ready to get to work.
8 Min Read
Inclusive Sports for Every Student: Sierra Leone Joins the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion
Ministry of Youth Affairs commits to advance inclusive sport and education in Sierra Leone
3 Min Read
The Waiting Room: When Routine Isn’t Routine
For many patients, especially those with intellectual disabilities, a routine visit to the doctor's office is anything but routine. Interactions with the healthcare system can expose inequitable access, overstimulation and stigmatized perceptions. To train care professionals in improving these interactions and building inclusive healthcare spaces, Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., offers Autism Behavioral Consult services for tailored care in medical settings. Providing tools and resources for medical staff and parents, the program makes procedures and treatments more approachable for children with communication, sensory and behavioral sensitivities.
1 Min Read
Nothing About Us Without Us: A Call for Inclusive Health at the 79th World Health Assembly
At the 2026 World Health Assembly, Pearl Lüthy, Special Olympics Switzerland athlete and World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 Athlete Ambassador called on health care workers around the world to improve communication and advance inclusive health policies and practices.
4 Min Read
Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport
Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.
1 Min Read
More Than a Game
Shane Yan Wen Yu has learned that football is more than just a game, it’s a source of identity, purpose, and growth.
3 Min Read
The ASHA Leader Profile
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) profiled Denise Cardona, Senior Clinical Program Manager for Special Olympics Healthy Hearing, in the May/June issue of The ASHA Leader.
1 Min Read
Future of Personal Health—Mental Health Campaign
The story details how Kayte leveraged her own challenges accessing mental health care to help develop Special Olympics Strong Minds, the mental discipline of Special Olympics Health Athletes®.
1 Min Read
Closing the Mental Health Gap for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Future of Personal Health captures the impactful work being accomplished by Special Olympics to mitigate the gap in mental health care for people with disabilities. The following is an excerpt from the article titled Closing the Mental Health Gap for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:
1 Min Read
Leading Through Training
The first Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Unified Coach Training marked a powerful milestone, bringing athlete leaders and coaches together in a unified learning environment and preparing athletes to step confidently into coaching roles.
2 Min Read