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:
Africa
""
Asia Pacific
""
East Asia
""
Europe Eurasia
""
Latin America
""
Middle East North Africa
""
North America
""
Find It Fast
Find job opportunities with Special Olympics
What sports does Special Olympics offer?
Contact Special Olympics
Find events near me
Ways to give to Special Olympics

Renee Dease

Renee Dease has been involved in the Special Olympics movement for almost 50 years. In 2024, she retired, but currently her work focuses on Athlete Leadership and amplifying the Health stories of athletes worldwide. Renee earned an Associate of Arts degree in liberal studies. She is fond of creative writing, poetry, and attending the theater. Each month, Renee will meet with Health Messengers, Fitness Captains, and athletes around the world to explore timely Health topics.
Content By This Author
A two-photo collage shows two headshots of a woman and a man.
Athletes

A Great Athlete is a Healthy Athlete: Muaz’s Journey to Becoming a Fitness Captain

Every May, Special Olympics celebrates Fitness and Sport Month, recognizing the power of sport to support athlete health, fitness, and performance. To celebrate, I met with Special Olympics Pakistan athlete and Fitness Captain Muaz Khan to learn about his journey to becoming a Fitness Captain.
2 Min Read
A two-photo collage shows two headshots of a woman and a man.
Athletes

A Great Athlete is a Healthy Athlete: Muaz’s Journey to Becoming a Fitness Captain

Every May, Special Olympics celebrates Fitness and Sport Month, recognizing the power of sport to support athlete health, fitness, and performance. To celebrate, I met with Special Olympics Pakistan athlete and Fitness Captain Muaz Khan to learn about his journey to becoming a Fitness Captain.
2 Min Read
A two-photo collage shows two headshots of a woman and a man.
Athletes

Insights from Focusing on the Invisible: David’s Perspective on Inclusive Health Research

In recognition of World Health Day earlier this month, Renee Dease met with David Duncan, Special Olympics Jamaica Health Messenger and Chairman of Special Olympics International Global Athlete Leadership Council.
3 Min Read
A two-photo collage shows two headshots of a woman and a man.
Athletes

Insights from Focusing on the Invisible: David’s Perspective on Inclusive Health Research

In recognition of World Health Day earlier this month, Renee Dease met with David Duncan, Special Olympics Jamaica Health Messenger and Chairman of Special Olympics International Global Athlete Leadership Council.
3 Min Read
A two-photo collage shows two headshots of two women.
Athletes

Teaching Health Through Food: Kayla’s Passion for Nutrition

In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Renee Dease met with Special Olympics Michigan staff member, Health Messenger, and athlete, Kayla Cornell, to talk about how she empowers Special Olympics athletes to build healthier habits through practical cooking skills and nutrition education.
3 Min Read
A two-photo collage shows two individuals smiling for a picture.
Athletes

Finding Strength in Community: Heather’s Mental Health Journey

In light of new research from Special Olympics Health published in JAMA Network Open, Renee Dease, a longstanding member of the Special Olympics movement, sat down with Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete and Health Messenger, Heather Holland, to talk about mental health, stigma, and the power of community.
3 Min Read
Renee Dease and Eunice Kennedy Shriver smile for a photo together.
In the News

Exceptional Parent Magazine Highlights Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Legacy of Creating Inclusive Health Opportunities for Millions

Special Olympics longstanding employee, Renee Dease, recounts her time working with Eunice Kennedy Shriver and how she witnessed the beginnings of inclusive health opportunities for millions.
1 Min Read
Abby Resnick competing in a swim competition.
Athletes

Strong Minds for Strange Times

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Abby Resnick could no longer participate in competitions, coach floor hockey, and teach drum and tone for people with special needs. She started to look for new activities to do at home.
2 Min Read
Tributes

A Letter from Renee Dease

Mrs. Shriver has touched my life and the lives of many all around the world.
1 Min Read
Three team players on the field, one coming into the group for an embrace and two give each others a high-five. Additional players are on the field in the background.
Athletes

Remarkable Drive

In Chicago, one of my responsibilities was to interview athletes, families, and volunteers. As a result, I had the great opportunity to write athlete stories of determination, loyalty, and bravery.
2 Min Read