Stories
These global 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.
AIPS: Special Olympics athlete and leader Kiera Byland inspires AIPS Congress to champion inclusion through sport
Earlier this week, Kiera Byland, BEM made history as the first ever athlete with intellectual disabilities to address more than 400 sport journalists from five different continents who attended the AIPS Global Centennial Congress in Santa Susanna, Barcelona, Spain.
1 Min Read
First-ever Para Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships to take place at Torremolinos Finals
The following is an excerpt from World Triathlon’s article on the first-ever Para Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships that is set to take place at the Championship Finals Torremolinos-Andalucía in Torremolinos, Spain next October.
1 Min Read
UEFA 2024: UEFA EURO 2024 Volunteer Tandem Programme kicks off in Cologne
The following is an excerpt on UEFA’s Euro 2024 Volunteer Tandem Programme that is inspired and based off of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 Host Town Program.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Conquers Mountains, Literally and Figuratively
For Hunter Specht, the mountain is his home away from home. For years, he and his family have bonded over their passion for snow sports, especially skiing. But it was when Hunter’s passion for skiing met Special Olympics Colorado that he was truly able to shine.
3 Min Read
Iceland Enhances Inclusive Learning through Unified Sports
Ceremony in Reykjavík ratifies the European country's membership in the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion
3 Min Read
Earth Day 2024: Special Olympics Drive Sustainability in Italy and Belgium
The following is an excerpt from Inside the Games’ article on Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023’s sustainability project
1 Min Read
The UPS Foundation progresses inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities with US $92K grant to Special Olympics in Asia
In a world where the need for inclusion is increasingly urgent, The UPS Foundation has pledged US$92K to support Special Olympics Young Athletes programming, an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old across Asia. In addition, the grant will also go towards other Special Olympics sports programming in the region.
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Lloyd Martin runs into the Guinness World Record Books
Special Olympics Great Britain athlete Lloyd Martin ran his way into the Guinness World Record Books on 21 April 2024 by completing the TCS London Marathon.
1 Min Read
Expressing Excellence—Through Sports
Athletes with autism beat low expectations—and sports records, too!
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Fostering Inclusion: Launch of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools
The launch of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (UCS) Project in South Africa marked a historic moment in the nation's journey towards fostering inclusivity and acceptance.
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Dedicated to Promoting Inclusion in Greece: Primary 24 School’s Story
As an educator and trainer, Nikoleta is dedicated to serving youth in her hometown of Patras, Greece. During the day, Nikoleta is a physical education teacher at Primary School 24, and after school, she’s a swim coach for Special Olympics Hellas.
3 Min Read
Advancing Inclusive Education in Kosovo with Unified Sports Opportunities
Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion welcomes Kosovo at signing ceremony in Pristina
2 Min Read