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!
World Games Spotlight: Rehan Ali, Libya
Rehan grew up in a part of Libya where people with Down syndrome face widespread discrimination in education, training, and even medical care. Early on, her family had to cope with stigma and her rejection from society.
1 Min Read
World Games Spotlight: Ella Curtis, Great Britain
It's been a hard road for Ella to become a cycling champion—literally. At age six, she had a traumatic fall from her bike; for years, the fear of falling and of the pain never left her. Ella, who has Down syndrome, was terrified and would shake with fear at even the suggestion of a bike ride.
1 Min Read
World Games Spotlight: Anas Khalil Al-Zerba, Palestine
Anas Al-Zerba has made a name for himself as a role model for people with intellectual disabilities, for people with Down syndrome—and for everybody else!
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Compete in the Second Challenge Family Triathlon Series
The second annual Special Olympics European Triathlon Open Competition, as part of the Challenge Family Triathlon Series and hosted by Special Olympics Slovakia, took place this past weekend 18 – 22 May in Samorin, Slovakia.
2 Min Read
Agents of Inclusion: Episode Twelve
Ahead of this weekend's Lincoln Tunnel Challenge, avid runner Bobby Fredericks explains to JR why this road race is unlike any other in the country. Then Bobby discusses how he got his start in running and in Special Olympics at the age of five.
The Torch of Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 is Presented
On June 7, the flame of the Special Olympics World Games will be lit in Athens.
2 Min Read
Tune in to learn more about the Special Olympics Festival at the World Games with Natalie Ullrich
In this week’s episode, Josh and Novie spoke with Natalie Ullrich, senior manager of the Special Olympics Festival at the World Games.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Slovakia Organizes First Ever Safeguarding Seminar
Special Olympics Slovakia organized its first ever Safeguarding seminar as part of the Special Olympics Operation Safeguard project, funded by Erasmus+, with 60 participants attending.
2 Min Read
Fundação Benfica Hosts First Stage of Special Champions League
Twelve football teams from across Europe participate in the EU-supported event.
2 Min Read
A Three-Decade-Long Friendship Celebrated in Coach Receiving Outstanding Coach Award
Coach Joe Bellini and Special Olympics athlete Will Smith have known each other for nearly 30 years. Their relationship isn’t the typical coach/athlete relationship because the connection runs so deep. Here is their story.
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.