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 and UNHCR Sign Global Agreement to Champion Inclusion for Refugees of All Abilities
New Memorandum of Understanding expands the Unified with Refugees project, harnessing the power of sport to promote opportunities for displaced communities and people with intellectual disabilities alike.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Puerto Rico Hosts Live Draw Ceremony for the Inaugural Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
San Juan will make history this December hosting the world’s first inclusive basketball tournament of its kind, where athletes of all abilities will compete side by side, demonstrating the power of sport to unite and inspire.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics and Topgolf’s Unified Fore Joy ProAm Fundraiser Returns for Second Year with Increased Support
Inclusive fundraiser brings golf fans of all abilities together
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Enter the Special Olympics Toyota bZ Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win an All-Electric Vehicle and Empower Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
[August 4, 2025 – Washington, D.C.] Special Olympics, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of the Special Olympics Toyota bZ Sweepstakes, an exciting opportunity for supporters across the United States to win a cutting-edge 2026 Toyota bZ All-Electric Vehicle while helping to create inclusive opportunities for Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities.
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16 International Teams Set for Inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Poland
The 16 teams—comprising around 200 players—from across the globe that will compete in the first edition of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice, Poland from 5 to 8 October 2025 have been announced today.
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United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes as Customer Service Ambassadors
[Chicago, Il - July 18, 2025] United announced today that it will expand the industry’s only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to the airline’s hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark.
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Special Olympics and Nike Announce Three-Year Partnership
[July 14, 2025] Two global, inclusive sport leaders team up to strengthen Unified Sports coaching and increase access to sport
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Special Olympics Announces David Evangelista as New Chief Executive Officer
[Washington, D.C. – 14 July 2025] The international Board of Directors of Special Olympics is pleased to announce the appointment of David Evangelista as the global movement’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective1 January 1 2026.
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Special Olympics Celebrates One Year Countdown to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Announces Three-Year BofA Grant and Platinum Partnership
[Washington, D.C. – June 23, 2025] Special Olympics International and Bank of America (BofA) today announced a $5 million grant expanding programs that will help empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to serve as leaders in their communities, seek competitive employment, and realize their full potential.
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Special Olympics European Football Week Celebrates 25 Years of Inclusion Through Sport
[Europe - 16 May 2025] Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE), a regional office of Special Olympics, Inc. (Special Olympics) has announced the start of the 25th edition of European Football Week (EFW 2025), to be celebrated from 17 to 24 May 2025 across 45+ nations in SOEE.
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Special Olympics International Board of Directors Elects Three New Members
[Washington, D.C. – 5 May 2025] The international Board of Directors for Special Olympics elected new members Mrs. JoAnne Bessler, Mr. Mark McCorkle, and Mr. Toby Enqvist.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Announces Puerto Rico as Host of First-Ever Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup
[San Juan, Puerto Rico - 10 April 2025] Special Olympics International (SOI) announced today that San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be the host site for the very first Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup, marking the first time in the 56-year history of the global sporting movement that a Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup will take place.
2 Min Read