Stories

Across the globe, over 4.6 million Special Olympics athletes and unified partners worldwide benefit from sports programs shaped by the unwavering dedication of Special Olympics coaches. These coaches are the heartbeat of our movement – they are mentors, motivators and advocates for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD), helping athletes discover their strength, their voice, and their place in society.

Persons with disabilities have the same fundamental right to health as those without disabilities. However, as the World Health Organization Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities points out, many persons with disabilities continue to die earlier, have poorer health, and experience more limitations in their daily functioning than others. This is why disability inclusion in healthcare is especially critical and urgent.

Great leaders leave lasting legacies—not only through direct actions, but through the multiplier effects they generate, inspiring change far beyond their immediate community.

At the 3x3 Basketball World Cup in San Juan, team Australia has been turning heads with its combination of speed, skill, and teamwork—aided by player Jordan McCormick, bringing passion and infectious enthusiasm to every play.

Players and teams across San Juan, Puerto Rico, woke up energised after last night’s spectacular Opening Ceremony that officially launched the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup. From 5 – 7 December, 180 players from 27 countries will take to the courts at Distrito T-Mobile, carrying not only speed and strategy, but a shared purpose that defines Unified Sports.

Renewed engagement includes a USD 310,000 grant supporting inclusive programming across five regions.

Inclusion doesn’t just happen in communities, it is built by people who actively address gaps and create connections to help everyone feel like they have a place in society.

Earlier in April this year, the first-ever South Asia Unified Football Competition organized by Special Olympics Asia Pacific took place in Bangladesh, marking a historic 5-day event that brought together 90 athletes from five countries.

For Syakila Binti Mohd Nasir, a Special Olympics Malaysia athlete, realising her full potential as an independent young woman came about by embracing community, sports and competitions.

Tender Hearts Cafe in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is more than just a social enterprise—it’s a place where young people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) gain independence, purpose, and confidence.

Bosco Cain, a volunteer coach with Special Olympics, is both a father and a coach to Sis-qo Cain, a non-verbal powerlifter. Sis-qo’s early life was imprinted by a critical health crisis that left an indelible mark on both father and son.

At 18 years old, Lê Trọng Nguyên (Austin), the only child in his family, Austin has always been surrounded by love at home, but school life was often a different story.