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.
Chairman Tim Shriver Seeks Papal Support to Build Inclusive World
Special Olympics athletes met Pope Francis during an official 2017 audience at The Vatican.
4 Min Read
II SO Central American and Caribbean Football Tournament 2018
In 2018 we will experience the passion of football with the Special Olympics II Central American and Caribbean Unified Football Tournament. From June 1 to 10, 2018, Guatemala City will welcome around 200 Special Olympics athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from 12 countries. This second version will be developed under Special Olympics Unified Sports, a program that joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It will follow the Gold Cup format of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
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Tune In to see Special Olympics Founder Honored at The 2017 ESPYS
Eunice Kennedy Shriver will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for her work and the creation of Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
Maria Gabriela Sigala of Venezuela joins Board of Directors
The Special Olympics International Board of Directors has elected a new member, Maria Gabriela Sigala, a leading philanthropist in Venezuela and former First Lady of Carabobo, Venezuela.
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Special Olympics Founder Honored at 2017 ESPYS
Eunice Kennedy Shriver dedicated her life to championing the rights and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics and MetLife Announced Partnership
The three-year international partnership will expand Special Olympics Young Athletes across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
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Panama Makes Strong Commitment to Support Rights of People with Disabilities
Government of the Republic of Panama and Special Olympics Latin America held a forum on “Inclusive Strategies for Equity.”
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Spectacular Ceremony Launched Countdown to Abu Dhabi 2019
The 2017 closing ceremony in Austria also marked the start of the countdown to Abu Dhabi becoming the first Middle East host.
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Seven Groups Honored for Pioneering Global Health Work
Honorees were announced at Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.
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Opening Ceremony Kicked Off World's Largest Sporting Event of 2017
More than 2,600 athletes took the Special Olympics oath promising, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
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European Union Pledges €6m to Support Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria
The European Union has pledged significant financial support to the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games, which begin in Austria on 14th March. Through the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, funds totalling €6 million have been granted to Special Olympics, and the Games Organising Committee in Austria, to ensure the success and ongoing positive legacy impact of the event.
5 Min Read
Austria Hands 'Flame of Hope' to Abu Dhabi as Curtain Falls on Spectacular World Winter Games
15,000 people gather at the Merkur Arena in Graz, Austria to bid farewell to the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017.
4 Min Read