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 Isolation to Confidence: Riya Trains for World Winter Games
Riya, a Special Olympics athlete from Bharat, says she used to be alone and lonely. Now she’s part of a talented team that’s heading to the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy—and her life is full of confidence, camaraderie and hope.
1 Min Read
How Far Will You Go for Inclusion?
At 9am on a sunny Saturday morning in June, Special Olympics (SO) Kenya coaches and athletes begin gathering at the Nairobi University sports grounds in the heart of the capital city.
Finding the Right Fit: Why Your Environment Matters
Special Olympics Hong Kong athlete Hui Lok-yee recognized the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. The difference between the struggles she faced at a young age and the success she later found was not about effort. It was about environment.
2 Min Read
Turin 2025 Home Hope: Ugo Valentini Swaps Tennis Racket For Snowboard Boots
Multi-sports talent balances training for the Special Olympics World Winter Games with driving lessons
3 Min Read
Raja Dalis, Special Olympics Illinois Mother, Emphasizes the Power of Community
When Raja Dalis couldn't find the resources she wanted as the parent of a child with an intellectual disability, she created them, finding a new community along the way.
3 Min Read
Unified On and Off the Court: Ines and Jasmin’s Winning Floorball Connection
Special Olympics Germany Unified duo is ready to compete in the World Winter Games Turin 2025
3 Min Read
Shane’s Journey of Determination to World Winter Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read
Sports Excellence as Tradition: Gonzalo Gets Ready for Turin
Gonzalo Escobar Wernli grew up with a love for winter sports—and a talent for them, too. And why wouldn’t he? He enjoyed early instruction from his grandfather, Claudio Wernli, who was a competitive skier in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria, among other events.
1 Min Read
Floorball Ingenuity: How Namibia Improvised On and Off the Court
Through creativity, partnership, and improvised equipment, Namibia’s floorball team has found a curious path to not only play the sport, but to excel and reach the world stage in Turin for the 2025 World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
What Makes a Leader? A Senegalese Athlete’s Discovery
Gerard Diedhiou of Special Olympics Senegal learned step by step over more than a decade what it takes to not only find his own voice, but to empower others in his community. From harsh beginnings, Gerard has learned how to connect with others, growing into a role model on and off the field.
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.