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!
Paris to Host 3rd Edition of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
[Paris, Washington DC - 4 November 2025] Special Olympics International and Special Olympics France have finalized the hosting agreement of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026.
4 Min Read
Over 100 Sports Experts Convene in Cyprus for the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Sports Conference 2025
The "Between the Games" Sports Conference focused on leveraging the Special Olympics World Games to further Sports Development for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities in Europe and Eurasia.
4 Min Read
Unified Football World Cup Detroit 2022
Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022 presented by Toyota showed the world how the power of sport builds and shapes a diverse community that unites and empowers people of all abilities, from all backgrounds.
1 Min Read
Lighting the Way Series, Part 3: A Family’s Journey with Special Olympics
Claudia Peña’s journey with Special Olympics began through her daughter, Paola, but quickly became a shared family experience, one where her family not only found community, but a deeper understanding of inclusion and resilience.
3 Min Read
Nestlé Health Science becomes Global Partner to Special Olympics
[Lausanne, Switzerland - 7 November 2025] Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) has announced a $2 million USD multi-year partnership with Special Olympics. The partnership will focus on Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), and the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screening protocol.
1 Min Read
Using Basketball to Overcome the Exclusion of her Past: Cecilia Gonzalez
Meet Cecilia Gonzalez, a basketball player with Special Olympics Paraguay, whose life is now unrecognizable after she discovered her love for basketball and competing with Special Olympics.
1 Min Read
Kay Center Provides Employment and Sport Opportunities to People with Intellectual Disabilities
A lifelong sports fan, Todd Youngblood came to the Kay Community Service Center, a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) located in Fort Valley, Georgia, in 1995 and was immediately put to work.
3 Min Read
Nashville Selected as Host of 2034 Special Olympics USA Games
[Nashville, TN – 29 October 2025] Nashville will proudly serve as the host city for the 2034 Special Olympics USA Games. The bid committee and Special Olympics North America announced the selection and signed a letter of agreement during a ceremony at Bridgestone Arena.
4 Min Read
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Special Olympics Athletes in the Workplace
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and reaffirming our commitment to inclusive employment.
3 Min Read
Thrills and Triumphs at the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (Women’s) and Special Olympics Slovakia (Men’s/Mixed) both won gold, each team bringing its own energy to the tournament.
5 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.