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.
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
Earth Day 2024: Special Olympics Sustainability Project Is Making Waves in Belgium And Italy
What impact do Special Olympics sports events—from food and travel to branding and waste—have on the environment? More importantly, what can we do about it?
3 Min Read
Education Experts Call for Greater Commitment to Inclusion in Education
On 18 April 2024, Special Olympics International (SOI) joined the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education (CUE) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in co-hosting the CUE Symposium on Education Systems Transformation for and through Inclusive Education.
13 Min Read
SO Athletes and Tim Tebow Inspire Mets Big-Leaguers
Every year, the St. Lucie Mets invites 50 Special Olympics Florida athletes to a spring kick-off pizza party.
1 Min Read
Watch Live: Education Experts Call for Greater Commitment to Inclusion in Education
Experts from the Brookings Institution, Special Olympics International and the Global Partnership for Education will explore how policymakers can overcome current obstacles to make schools and communities more inclusive for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Michigan Sets Standard with Two Teams at NIRSA Championships at State-Of-The-Art Facilities
It’s a crisp sunny day in late spring at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The 2024 NIRSA National Basketball Championships are taking place and two teams from Michigan are in town looking to bring home the championship.
5 Min Read
Toyota Motor Europe and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Extend Partnership in Support of Inclusive Communities
Toyota Motor Europe and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia to continue working together to foster inclusive societies and mobility for all
2 Min Read
Inclusion and 10 Years of ESPN Partnership Celebrated at Perth Amboy High School
The gymnasium at Perth Amboy High School is at capacity with the student body, gearing up for the traditional students vs. teachers basketball game.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Takes Centre Stage at SportAccord
Special Olympics was out in force this week at one of the global sports industry’s biggest gatherings of the year – SportAccord.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Break Barriers in the Western Balkans
Special Olympics athletes from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and hosts North Macedonia showcased heart, determination and remarkable skill at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-supported Western Balkans Swimming Competition held in Skopje from 5-7 April.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Alaska’s Emily Tymick Named SONA Sports Person of the Year, Credits Longtime Love for Competition
Emily Tymick first got involved with Special Olympics as a volunteer and was hooked quickly, turning it into a career. More than a decade later, she was recognized by her peers as the SONA Sports Person of the Year.
4 Min Read