Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Find Special Olympics Near Me
We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Your Program
Based on your location, your local program is %location%.
Your location could not be automatically determined. Choose a program below:
Your Special Olympics Local Program:
Looking for a different local program? Choose a program from the list below:

Karini Viranna

Karini Viranna is a writer and producer based in Berlin. She has written for several notable European brands as well as literary magazines such as DADDY magazine, First Page Literature, Sunday Mornings At The River and Coffee People Zine.
Content By This Author

Thrills and Triumphs at the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025

Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (Women’s) and Special Olympics Slovakia (Men’s/Mixed) both won gold, each team bringing its own energy to the tournament.
5 Min Read

Shared Dreams, One Goal: Serbia’s Unified Volleyball Teams Make Their Mark in Poland

Two Serbian athletes—separated by age but united by the game—proudly represented their country.
6 Min Read

Bronze Victory for Krystian Fąfara and Team Poland!

The arena in Katowice roared as Team Poland clinched bronze on home soil, defeating Iraq in the duel for third place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
4 Min Read

From Quiet Struggles to a Wicked Spike: Sonia Ciboldi Rises as Italy Defeats Serbia 2–1

For Sonia Ciboldi, camaraderie goes hand-in-hand with competition as Italy edges Serbia 2–1 and enters the race for fifth place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
3 Min Read

Michael Svitak—Guiding Light of Team Austria!

At 48, Team Austria’s Michael Svitak is one of the most experienced players, taking up the role of “unofficial captain” and leading by example both on and off the court.
2 Min Read

Slovakia’s Rising Star: Šimon Jakuš Shines on Court AND on Stage!

On day two of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025, Šimon and Team Slovakia took on Austria once again, securing a decisive 2:0 victory.
2 Min Read

Hope in Every Serve: How Volleyball Inspires Nataliia Vyhivska’s Dreams

DayNataliia Vyhivska and her team played to win in Katowice, beating Team Mongolia 2-0 (25-11, 25-20). “When I’m on the court, everything else disappears."
3 Min Read

Chasing World Cup Gold with Finland's Mika Ahonen

For nearly three decades, volleyball has been more than just a sport for Special Olympics Finland athlete Mika Ahonen—it has been a source of challenge and connection.
3 Min Read

A Historic First: Meet Eight Top Athletes Taking to the Volleyball Court in Katowice

The inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup will see 8 women’s and 8 men’s/mixed teams competing for the title.
3 Min Read

Back to the Future: Eight days at the Special Olympics World Winter Games

Karini Viranna, features writer and producer based in Berlin, had her first insight into Special Olympics at our recent World Winter Games.
4 Min Read