In the News
In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These news stories come from all around the world.
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
Panthers Quarterback Bryce Young Makes News with Special Olympics Partnership
Fansided recently covered the announcement of North Carolina Panthers Quarterback Bryce Young’s support of Special Olympics Unified Sports®.
1 Min Read
Football as a Force for Inclusion and Sustainable Change
On World Football Day, Special Olympics is celebrating the power of football to do more than just score goals; it breaks down barriers, builds communities, and unites athletes as they work together to achieve a shared goal.
3 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
Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics Showcase Power of Inclusive Sport
South Africa Broadcast Corporation covered the innovative collaboration between Basketball Africa League and Special Olympics where the League hosted a Unified match up during a quarter of one of a BAL game. The following is an excerpt from the article titled BAL and Special Olympics showcase power of inclusive sport in SA:
1 Min Read
Loretta Claiborne Honored as Local Hero in Pennsylvania
Spotlight PA recognized Loretta Claiborne as a Local Hero for her lifetime of work and accomplishments with Special Olympics. The following is an excerpt from the article titled PA Local Heroes: The champion athlete advocating for people with disabilities:
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Frank Hayden
The Special Olympics community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Frank Hayden, a pioneering figure whose contributions to the world of sports and disability advocacy have had a profound impact on generations of athletes and families. Dr. Hayden passed away at the age of 96, leaving a legacy that has transformed countless lives.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Chairman, Tim Shriver receives the 2026 Laetare Medal
Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, was the recipient of the 2026 Laetare Medal at University of Notre Dame’s 181st University Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2026.
1 Min Read