Stories From the Field of Play
Win or lose, our athletes leave it all on the field. Read more about their triumphs, trials and trainings here.
Athletes and coaches, share your story at the bottom of the page!
Athletes and coaches, share your story at the bottom of the page!
The moment has come: The Special Olympics Flame of Hope™ was lit by a high priestess in Athens, Greece, in a solemn ceremony at the historic temple Zappeion Megaron. The flame will now be sent on its journey before arriving at the Opening Ceremony at Olympiastadion on 17 June.
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This excerpt is from the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023’s article, “Our athletes model for VOGUE Germany.”
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In China, people with intellectual disabilities can face stigma from the moment of diagnosis. For decades, even the words for people with disabilities included a slur: ascanfei ren, literally “disabled garbage people.”
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Jessy Lane is a dedicated, diligent athlete who doesn't give up easily. That's also how she lost 100 pounds: through steady & consistent training. Now she’s in great shape and thrilled to take her training to her first Special Olympics World Games golfing competition!
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Special Olympics Rhode Island athlete and Administrative Assistant & Athlete Leadership Specialist Mary-Ellen Powers speaks with JR before her trip to Berlin for the Global Athlete Congress. Mary-Ellen began her involvement in Special Olympics in high school and has now worked for Special Olympics Rhode Island for almost twelve years. Mary-Ellen shares her love of Special Olympics and competing as an athlete with JR.
‘The most effective way to raise awareness is to let persons with intellectual disability speak for themselves’
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“I wish to see more young people make themselves available to support us. I would like to see students and teachers come out because they learn to understand us and know that being together helps us to live more peacefully.”
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Jamaican athlete and Special Olympics employee David Duncan speaks with JR ahead of the Global Athlete Congress. David began his Special Olympics journey as a volunteer, and now he is one of the select representatives helping chart the course for athletes around the world. The Global Athlete Congress will meet in June (2023) at the Special Olympics World Games, which gives athletes a voice and agency in charting their own path forward. David explains to JR why the employment of Special Olympics athletes is of such importance to him that he is bringing the cause to the forefront of the discussion at the World Games.
Polish judoka wants “to be the best” in Berlin
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New edition of major European competition will run between 20 and 28 May 2023
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Athletes and coaches: we would love to hear your story! Fill out this form to share your experiences with the Special Olympics community.