Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Libya Storms into the Knockout Stage with Perfect Group Record
Special Olympics Libya completed a flawless group stage at the Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with an emphatic victory, following earlier wins over Ecuador and Spain.
2 Min Read
Coach Molly Underly Keeps Special Olympics USA Looking Forward
Coach Molly Underly and Special Olympics USA battled Special Olympics Namibia to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, adding another chapter to a tournament that has already included a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan and a 6-0 loss to Guatemala.
3 Min Read
Young Athletes Encouraged to Play in Paris
8 July 2026. Yesterday, at the Charléty Stadium Dojo, 30 children from France with and without intellectual disabilities, participated in Young Athletes, fun motor skills courses as part of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 non-competition events.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Senegal Looks to Bounce Back After Jamaica Defeat
Team Senegal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Jamaica in their second Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 match after opening the tournament with a 6-0 victory over hosts France. Ousmane Bakhayokho and his teammates impressed in their opening match with slick passing and will return to the pitch ready for the next challenge.
3 Min Read
Why Athlete Voices Matter in Research: David Egan on SO-Link and Inclusive Health Research
In lead-up to the launch of a new Special Olympics initiative, SO-Link (Linking Athletes with Scientific Opportunities), I met with Special Olympics Virginia athlete David Egan to talk about the importance of including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in research.
2 Min Read
Born into the Game of Dreams
Team Guatemala kicked off Day 2 of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with a dominant 6–0 win over Team USA. Footballer Daroulin Ávila and her teammates were hungry for a victory—leaving no doubt on the pitch.
3 Min Read
Journey to the Cup—Inclusion On and Off the Field
Every team at the 2026 Unified Football World Cup has a story to tell. In this series, meet the athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and officials whose journeys to Paris are filled with determination, friendship, and inclusion. These stories celebrate the power of football to bring people together, on and off the field.
1 Min Read
One Team. One Dream. Thailand’s Unified Football World Cup Journey
Long before you see them on the pitch in Paris, Special Olympics Thailand’s women’s football team has been putting in the work; training relentlessly to be at their best, ready to compete for the title of Unified Football World Cup Champion.
Happy Father’s Day!
This Father’s Day, Special Olympics would like to thank all the dads who participate in this incredible movement! Your support and cheers mean so much to the athletes who compete and your impact is felt by all.
1 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
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