Partners

The Special Olympics Africa Region hosted its 22nd annual Africa Leadership Conference, welcoming 110 delegates from 38 Special Olympics Programs across the continent for four days of collaboration, learning, and strategic alignment. The conference took place in Johannesburg from March 23 to March 26, 2026.

Tom Golisano has once again been named to the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual Philanthropy 50 list, ranking 12th among the nation’s leading donors and marking his fifth appearance on the Top 50 list.

The Special Olympics Africa Region hosted its 22nd annual Africa Leadership Conference, welcoming 110 delegates from 38 Special Olympics Programs across the continent for four days of collaboration, learning, and strategic alignment. The conference took place in Johannesburg from March 23 to March 26, 2026.

Special Olympics athletes, Celine and Ionut, were among guest speakers at a recent special event in the European Parliament to honour the amazing career of Special Olympics Global Ambassador Nadia Comăneci – and the power of inclusive sport.

A weeklong series of site visits across Ireland highlighted innovative partnerships, athlete led initiatives, and institutional leadership advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Under the theme “Global Visions, Local Actions: Innovation and Sustainability in Sport Management,” the conference fostered dialogue on sport governance, innovation, sustainability, and the social impact of sport.

Michal, un esquiador de Olimpiadas Especiales Eslovaquia, compite a través del Programa de Entrenamiento de Actividad Motora (MATP), el programa deportivo basado en el movimiento de Olimpiadas Especiales para atletas con discapacidades intelectuales profundas que tienen grandes necesidades de apoyo.

Organizations deepen their collaboration with events taking place in April, July, and October.

Inclusive sports events in Cyprus, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain foster hope and belonging for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities

[Paris, France - 19 February 2026] On 19 February, more than 200 Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), and media convened at the City Hall in Paris, France for a landmark moment: the official unveiling of the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams selected to compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.