Community Impact

Behind every Special Olympics athlete who steps into the pool, onto the court, or up to the starting line, there's a coach who knows the sport and knows how to bring out the best in their athlete. An expert twice over. Special Olympics North America has recognized seven of those coaches for their impact on Special Olympics athletes across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. An impressive field of 17 coaches was submitted for recognition as one of Special Olympics North America's 2025 Outstanding Coaches, making the selection committee's job no small task.

With support from Optometry Giving Sight, three trainees from Special Olympics Nevada, Tennessee, and Florida completed a Clinical Director Train-the-Trainer program at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games from 18-20 June in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Millions of people with intellectual disabilities still face disparities and a lack of quality education, health, and access to sport experiences every day.

Special Olympics Kenya officially launches Unified with Refugees program at Decathlon Store and announces powerful new partnership with the Decathlon Foundation in Nairobi on the eve of World Refugee Day.

At the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026, Special Olympics coaches spent most of their time plotting against one another’s teams.

The renewed partnership between Special Olympics and Topgolf continues to expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world, creating new pathways into golf and growing participation numbers in the sport while also strengthening competition opportunities across the movement.

Haley Waggoner, a Special Olympics International staff member on the Government Relations team and Special Olympics Nebraska athlete, has established an impactful connection with the Nebraska State Legislator leading to positive changes in law and local communities.

Graduating high school is a milestone, one that often serves as a launching point to college. This episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio explores that transition for students with intellectual disabilities and how post-secondary programs can lead inclusively.

In this special episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio, we looked back on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, held 20-26 June in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Over the last two days, Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® conducted over 700 free health screenings for athletes and Unified partners participating in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, Paris 2026.

Marquel Russell stands near the starting line and does a box jump to relax his muscles.