Stories From the Field of Play

A weeklong series of site visits across Ireland highlighted innovative partnerships, athlete led initiatives, and institutional leadership advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, will receive the 2026 Laetare Medal at the University of Notre Dame’s 181st University Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2026.

The iconic YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2026 played host to a landmark moment for inclusive badminton as Special Olympics and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) celebrated the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and launched a new 2026 – 2031 Strategic Plan, marking an exciting new chapter for inclusive badminton.

The athlete delegates chosen for the Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress see themselves as leaders. Leading is what they intend to do before, during, and after the Congress in March. They know they’ve been empowered to discuss difficult topics and find solutions to big challenges.

Organizations deepen their collaboration with events taking place in April and July

Jocelyn is a leader whose presence brightens the bowling alley.

Talk a little with the athlete leaders going to the Special Olympics North America Athlete Congress in Michigan, and you will notice they have some things in common.

On 19 February, Special Olympics, Special Olympics France, and the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 Local Organizing Committee welcomed over 200 guests and partners to the historic Paris City Hall to announce the 24 teams selected to compete in the Cup.

[Paris, France - 19 February 2026] On 19 February, more than 200 Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), and media convened at the City Hall in Paris, France for a landmark moment: the official unveiling of the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams selected to compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.

It was a sunny day at the Bill Hughes Park in Rocklin, California, where long-time Special Olympics Northern California athlete Bud Hawley sat, ready to be interviewed.