Stories
These 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.
New Documentary Follows 9-Year Old Ukrainian Refugee’s First Steps
The award-winning documentary "When We Get Home" by Kathleen Shriver and Walking Films is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of war on marginalized communities, with a particular focus on individuals with intellectual disabilities. By focusing on three orphan refugees from the war in Ukraine, the vulnerabilities of these individuals become starkly apparent, as limited access to resources, disruptions in essential services, and the breakdown of support systems exacerbate their challenges.
2 Min Read
New Sport Partnership Driving Special Olympics Golfers to the Game
The following is an article published by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on the growth and development of Special Olympics golfers and the sport of golf through Special Olympics’ partnership with Topgolf:
3 Min Read
Innovative Sports Partnership Creating Thousands of New Special Olympics Golfers
In 2023, Topgolf and Special Olympics joined forces in a new global partnership with one driving ambition – to get more Special Olympics golfers playing the game.
5 Min Read
European Union-Supported Safeguarding Project Concludes in Slovakia
Meetings held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 12 March marked the conclusion of the Special Olympics Operation Safeguard initiative, funded by the European Union's Erasmus+.
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Special Olympics Finds Competitive Edge at NIRSA Flag Football Championships
It’s a cold and windy weekend in the quiet college town of Stillwater, Oklahoma, but despite it being winter break for Oklahoma State University, you can hear the cheers of students. The campus is playing host to the NIRSA Flag Football national championships, an opportunity for campus rec teams to come together and compete for the trophy and bragging rights. Among the competitors is a group of people truly committed to the inclusive power of sports: the seven teams in the Special Olympics College Club Unified division.
5 Min Read
Breaking Down Barriers: Special Olympics Jamaica's Story
On Windsor Road in Spanish Town, Jamaica, two schools on the same street are separated by a chain-link fence.
3 Min Read
The Olympics Celebrate Special Olympics Mother During World Down Syndrome Day
On World Down Syndrome Day 2024, Special Olympics athletes, families, coaches and staff were being celebrated just as much as they were celebrating.
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Lloyd Martin striving to make history at TCS London Marathon
Nineteen-year-old Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) athlete Lloyd Martin is bidding to become the youngest known person with Down Syndrome to complete the TCS London Marathon.
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Embrace differences. Celebrate uniqueness. Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
Did you know individuals with Down syndrome possess unique talents and abilities?
BWF: Friendship Around the Shuttlecock
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) held a badminton clinic in West Africa in which Special Olympics Senegal and Gambia athletes and coaches were invited and able to take part in. This is an excerpt from the BWF’s article:
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SOEA Coaches Continue Important Work Around their Region to Build Inclusion
Coach Jiang Jianqiang talks about his journey to grow physical education and sport at the special education school he works at in Guangdong Province, China.
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Inclusion Revolution Radio Explores Capitol Hill Day and Speaks with Members of Congress
Josh Basile, from accessiBe, had the pleasure of hosting a podcast episode centered around this year’s Capitol Hill Day event in Washington, D.C.
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