Stories From the Field of Play

Special Olympics spent last week working on the progression of research and evaluation for people with disabilities as it penned a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.

Some journeys begin with talent, others with sheer determination—but the most extraordinary ones are shaped by unwavering support, love, and belief.

Brothers Rolandas and Rimvydas Kriauzliai, aged 24 years old, were part of the winning Lithuanian team at the recent FIBA Open in Mies, Switzerland for the third time in a row. Here, they discuss how their team clinched victory against Italy in a thrilling final, their 17-year journey with Special Olympics and the magic of competing at the FIBA Open!

13-year-old Polina from Ukraine struggled with her new life when she first arrived in Romania but, with the support of teachers, friends and Special Olympics, she began to thrive. Polina now enjoys a full life of art and sport—even achieving bronze at the recent Special Olympics Romania National Games!

This World Refugee Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of Olubunmi and her family—originally from Nigeria and now living in Madrid, Spain—who have used the power of sport, dance and music to bring health, healing and enduring hope into their lives.

Today, Special Olympics is looking back at all the fathers, father-figures, and grandfathers who, through the power of sport, have helped raise, support, coach, and love Special Olympics athletes around the world.

At just 17 years old, the Special Olympics Hungary judoka topped the podium at the Special Olympics Judo Festival in Switzerland.

Through the Special Champions League project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, eight professional football clubs developed teams for almost 550 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Destiny Stubbs shares her experience interning with the Content and Storytelling Team at Special Olympics, and how the photos from Winter Games tell their own story.

With the mission of promoting the development of judo worldwide in all sectors of sport, the International Judo Federation and Special Olympics recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen opportunities for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.