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!
From Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Backyard to the National Stage: Tim Gowen’s Life in Special Olympics
Only a handful of Special Olympics athletes have had the opportunity to meet the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Even fewer athletes had the opportunity to compete in her backyard the year before Special Olympics even began. Luckily, for Tim Gowen, he was able to do both.
3 Min Read
Now Open: Media Registration for Unified Football World Cup
Media registration for the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 has officially opened.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Draw Ceremony
Take a look back at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Draw Ceremony hosted by the French Football Federation as we officially kick off the journey to Paris 2026. For the first time ever, France will host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, taking place 6 – 11 July 2026 across iconic venues in the heart of Paris.
Special Olympics Named Finalist for 2026 Cynopsis Sports Award
Coverage of the 2026 Special Olympics 3x3 Basketball Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico has been named a finalist in the Sports Social Impact Initiative category at the 2026 Cynopsis Sports Awards.
1 Min Read
German-Born Stefanie Curtis Prepares to Compete at Special Olympics USA Games
Stefanie Curtis had a different path to Special Olympics. Growing up in Berlin, Germany, there was no local programming for Special Olympics, so she found other ways to stay active as an adolescent.
2 Min Read
FanSided Reports on Impact of Special Olympics Coaches in the Community
The first in a series of stories from FanSided about the power and impact of Special Olympics Coaches on athletes and the community.
1 Min Read
France To Face Senegal in Opening Match of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
[Paris, France – 16 April 2026] The road to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 took a major step forward as the official tournament Draw Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris on 16 April.
4 Min Read
European Basketball Week 2019
2018 marks the 15th edition of one of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia's highlight events: European Basketball Week (EBW).
1 Min Read
From Rural Iceland to the Special Olympics World Games Stage
Meet powerlifter Aegir Ólafsson, whose life has been shaped by his passion for strength, sport, and competition.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics x Michael Phelps Foundation: Make Every Race Count
The Make Every Race Count campaign was created to help swimmers turn their failure into success.
3 Min Read
Share Your Story
Athletes and coaches: we would love to hear your story! Fill out this form to share your experiences with the Special Olympics community.