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!
A Second Chance at Life
A powerful story of how the Special Olympics Unified with Refugees initiative offers refugee children with intellectual disabilities a pathway from exclusion to belonging.
4 Min Read
ESPN’s Coverage of 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
From June 20 – 26, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring nearly 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states to Minneapolis to compete across 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. ESPN will provide 48 hours of live competition coverage on ESPN+ through the ESPN App, featuring events including athletics, swimming, powerlifting and flag football, along with ABC preview and review programming.
1 Min Read
A Second Chance at Life
Joel fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found refuge in Uganda. As a young person with an intellectual disability, he faced isolation and exclusion—until he discovered Special Olympics Unified Sports.Read the full story
They’ve Been There. They Want to Change It.
Eleven Projects that Could Change Special Olympics from the Ground Up
5 Min Read
Trained, Transformed, Impatient
Athlete leaders attending the 2026 SONA Regional Athlete Congress explain why they are done merely talking; they are ready to get to work.
8 Min Read
Leading Through Training
The first Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Unified Coach Training marked a powerful milestone, bringing athlete leaders and coaches together in a unified learning environment and preparing athletes to step confidently into coaching roles.
2 Min Read
UEFA and Special Olympics Build More Inclusive Communities Through Football
For more than two decades, UEFA and Special Olympics have worked together to ensure football is a game where everyone belongs, on and off the pitch.
3 Min Read
Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport
Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.
1 Min Read
“I can hardly believe I get to do this!” - Special Olympics Italia Athlete Launches His Own Children’s Book
Eros Zanotti launched the children’s book ‘Eros’ Magical Skis’ – which was inspired by the story of his journey to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 – at a feature event on Friday 22 May as part of the Special Olympics Italia National Summer Games.
2 Min Read
Leading Through Training
The first Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Unified Coach Training marked a powerful milestone, bringing athlete leaders and coaches together in a unified learning environment and preparing athletes to step confidently into coaching roles.
2 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.