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!
“Special Olympics was my Golden Ticket”—Anja Celebrates European Football Week 2025
Before joining Special Olympics, Anja Van Helden trained with other teams but she was always left on the sidelines on match day. Now, she is the heart of her Special Olympics Switzerland team for training sessions and matches alike—and she just loves it!
1 Min Read
European Football Week 2025 #:EFW2025 Anja's Story
"For me, joining Special Olympics was like a golden ticket" - , Anja Van Helden, Special Olympics Switzerland Before joining Special Olympics, Anja trained with other teams but when it came to match day, she was left on the sidelines.
No Longer on the Sidelines: Jack Healey's Journey to Special Olympics Football
Jack Healey, a 20-year-old from Berkshire in England, always nurtured a deep love for football.
2 Min Read
“We all Deserve to be the Main Character in our Own Life”: The Powerful Impact of Inclusive Football in Viterbo, Italy
The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics European Football Week Celebrates 25 Years of Inclusion Through Sport
[Europe - 16 May 2025] Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE), a regional office of Special Olympics, Inc. (Special Olympics) has announced the start of the 25th edition of European Football Week (EFW 2025), to be celebrated from 17 to 24 May 2025 across 45+ nations in SOEE.
3 Min Read
One for All and All for One: Team Mari
For Mari Holt, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games is a long-awaited dream come true.
1 Min Read
SONA Recognizes Outstanding Coaches Throughout Region
Throughout Special Olympics North America, more than 116,000 dedicated individuals donate their time and expertise as Special Olympics coaches.
4 Min Read
FIFA, LOC and WHO team up in Seychelles to bring ‘Be Active’ to Special Olympics
FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup teamed up with Special Olympics and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote inclusion through the power of sport along with how to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
1 Min Read
MPF Level 1 “IM Coach” Course Now Live on Special Olympics Learning Portal
The Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF) and Special Olympics are proud to announce a major leap in the ongoing partnership—the launch of the MPF IM Coach Level 1 Course, now available to all Special Olympics coaches globally via the Special Olympics Learning Portal.
1 Min Read
“Playing Badminton Taught Me About Winning and Losing and Gave Me the Motivation to Win in Life.”
Special Olympics was in the spotlight at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as Special Olympics Ireland badminton athlete Jonathan Deering delivered a keynote address focused on the power of the sport at the BWF Members’ Forum held in Xiamen, China at the end of April.
4 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.