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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 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.
3 Min Read

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.”
6 Min Read

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.
7 Min Read

Seven Groups Honored for Pioneering Global Health Work

Honorees were announced at Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.
9 Min Read

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.”
3 Min Read

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

Special Olympics and Best Buddies International Celebrate 9th Annual Spread the Word to End the Word® Day on 1 March

Survey findings from The Harris Poll reveal that over the last nine years, teens are more vocal in reinforcing respectful language while adults support inclusive behaviors but are not as active in verbally promoting inclusion.
9 Min Read

Special Performances Announced for the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Performances by Jason Mraz and Grace VanderWaal have been announced for the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games Opening Ceremony in Austria on March 18. Princess Charlene of Monaco, Hannah Teter, Apolo Ohno, Dikembe Mutumbo, Michelle Kwan, Sam Perkins, Jillian Michaels, Louie Van Amstel and many more will attend Games.
7 Min Read

ESPN’s Groundbreaking Coverage of Special Olympics World Winter Games Begins March 18 From Austria

Nightly Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017 program to bring viewers stories, competition showcase, interviews and more throughout the Games.
6 Min Read

Special Olympics and GoFundMe Announce Global Sponsorship

The partnership will create hundreds of fundraising campaigns for teams, delegations and athletes to attend the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games.
3 Min Read