Press Releases
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. Here's what's happening world wide.
Special Olympics Launches Initiative Connecting Athletes to Research and Evaluation Opportunities
[Minneapolis, Minnesota, 20 June 2026] Today, Special Olympics announced the launch of SO-Link—an initiative that connects Special Olympics athletes with opportunities to participate in Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research and evaluation projects relevant to their health.
2 Min Read
Is AI Fair? New Evidence Suggests Bias Against People with Intellectual Disabilities Is Built In
Peer-reviewed study is the first of its kind led and published by Special Olympics, revealing AI systems are learning stereotypes and repeating them at scale for one of the most marginalized populations in the world
5 Min Read
The 500-Day Countdown Begins for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
[Santiago, Chile – 9 June 2026] Special Olympics Chile athletes and Unified partners, national authorities, representatives from partner organizations, and event ambassadors celebrate the 500-day countdown to Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete on the same team.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics and Young 9 Foundation Partner to Advance Inclusive Sports
[May 21, 2026] Special Olympics and the Young 9 Foundation, founded by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, have teamed up to expand inclusive sports programming.
2 Min Read
The Coca-Cola Company Becomes Official Partner of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029
[Chur, Switzerland – 18 May 2026] The Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 continue to gain strong international momentum: The Coca-Cola Company has been confirmed as an Official Partner of the Games, further strengthening one of the most impactful partnerships in the history of inclusive sport.
1 Min Read
AJPH Supplement Spotlighting Special Olympics Health Programming Demonstrates How Inclusive Public Health Spaces Improve the Health of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Implementing strategies to improve health outcomes in all communities requires public health spaces to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at the table when it comes to policy, funding and research decisions.
2 Min Read
France To Face Senegal in Opening Match of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
[Paris, France – 16 April 2026] The road to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 took a major step forward as the official tournament Draw Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris on 16 April.
4 Min Read
Nokona Celebrates 100 Years with Celebrity Glove Auction Supporting Special Olympics
[Phoenix – March 26, 2026] Nokona, the iconic American-made ball glove company, in collaboration with Special Olympics, announces an online auction of exclusive baseball gloves.
2 Min Read
When Sport Brings People Together: Visit Marks Key Milestone Toward the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029
[Chur, Switzerland – 24 March 2026] The road to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 has reached a key milestone this week with the official agreement signing in Chur, Switzerland. From 10 – 17 March 2029, Switzerland will host the 2029 Games, sending a strong message of equality and active inclusion.
4 Min Read
2026 Africa Region Leadership Conference
The Special Olympics Africa Region hosted its 22nd annual Africa Leadership Conference, welcoming 110 delegates from 38 Special Olympics Programs across the continent for four days of collaboration, learning, and strategic alignment. The conference took place in Johannesburg from March 23 to March 26, 2026.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Enters into Multi-Year Grant Agreement with Toyota Mobility Foundation, Focused on Unified Programming
[Washington, DC, USA – 19 March 2026] Special Olympics announced a three-year grant agreement with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), whose mission is to create a truly mobile society that will help people around the world live better lives.
1 Min Read
Empowering the Next Generation: Special Olympics Is Scaling Youth Leadership Globally
[Johannesburg, South Africa - 24 February 2026] Today, the Special Olympics Africa Regional Youth Leadership Summit kicked off in Johannesburg, bringing together youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to build leadership skills and strengthen youth-led change across schools and communities.
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