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Press Room
Latest Press Release

Alzheimer's Association and Special Olympics Launch Partnership to Expand Brain Health Resources for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

[Chicago, Il - September 28, 2026] The Alzheimer's Association and Special Olympics today announced a new partnership to increase access to brain health education, dementia resources and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families and caregivers.
2 Min Read

Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Special Olympics Athletes and Leaders at the Vatican

Special Olympics Italy athletes and a Special Olympics International delegation met with His Holiness, celebrating the power of sport to build a more inclusive world.
3 Min Read

Special Olympics and Olympic Channel Services Join Forces to Promote Stories of Inclusion Through Sport

New Memorandum of Understanding will explore opportunities to bring Special Olympics athletes, competitions and stories to wider global audiences through the Olympic Channel Services platforms
1 Min Read

The Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education Launches UCS Inclusion Academy to Equip 6,000 Educators and Bridge the Global Training Gap

[Washington, DC - 17 September 2026] The Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education has launched the Unified Champion Schools® (UCS) Inclusion Academy, a global learning initiative to equip educators, coaches and school leaders with practical tools to create more inclusive classrooms, schools and sports settings.
4 Min Read

Building a Healthier Future Together: Henry Schein and Special Olympics Renew Partnership Through 2030

[Melville, NY (USA) – 18 August 2026] Access to quality healthcare can make a profound difference in a person’s life. Yet for many people with intellectual disabilities (ID), barriers to care remain a daily reality.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics and Topgolf Expand Inclusive Golf Opportunities Worldwide

[WASHINGTON, D.C. - 13 August 2026] Today, Special Olympics and Topgolf announced an expanded three-year, $1.5 million commitment to grow inclusive golf opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
2 Min Read

Our Global Reach

4,238,388

ATHLETES and UNIFIED PARTNERS

53,779

COMPETITIONS

777,670

VOLUNTEERS

366,978

COACHES

72,468

ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS

20,160

Unified Schools

Reports

Special Olympics produces reports every year to inform interested people about what we do.

Special Olympics and Paralympics

Special Olympics, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee are complementary organizations, each one a testimony to the power of sport.
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Speakers Bureau

Thank you for your interest in requesting a speaker from Special Olympics. Special Olympics is a global movement creating a world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of their level of ability.
1 Min Read

Downloadable Photos

Special Olympics keeps a comprehensize and current catalog of downloadable photos on PhotoShelter.

2024 Special Olympics Overview

Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.
Press Contact

CHRISTY WEIR

Special Olympics International
Vice President, International Media Relations & Communications
+1 202-738-8511

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