Stories
Libya Storms into the Knockout Stage with Perfect Group Record
Special Olympics Libya completed a flawless group stage at the Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with an emphatic victory, following earlier wins over Ecuador and Spain.
2 Min Read
Unified Football World Cup Official Statement: Heat Advisory & Schedule Change
7 July Update
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The Beautiful Game Kicks Off: Paris hosts the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
The footballs are packed. The boots are laced. From training grounds across the world, 324 footballers from 23 nations will gather at the Charléty Stadium in the ‘City of Light’ between 6-11 July to compete for the coveted title.
3 Min Read
Journey to the Cup—Inclusion On and Off the Field
Every team at the 2026 Unified Football World Cup has a story to tell. In this series, meet the athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and officials whose journeys to Paris are filled with determination, friendship, and inclusion. These stories celebrate the power of football to bring people together, on and off the field.
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One Team. One Dream. Thailand’s Unified Football World Cup Journey
Long before you see them on the pitch in Paris, Special Olympics Thailand’s women’s football team has been putting in the work; training relentlessly to be at their best, ready to compete for the title of Unified Football World Cup Champion.
Bouncing Back From Setbacks: Kar Soon Tham’s Inspiring Bocce Journey
Having been part of the movement for over 20 years, Kar Soon Tham is a veteran with Special Olympics Singapore. At the World Games in Berlin last year, he was also the oldest athlete representing his country, who went on to secure a respectable 5th placement in the bocce men’s singles event.
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Beyond the Game: How Women Athlete Leaders Are Sparking Change in Asia-Pacific
Around the world, the conversation about women in sport is gaining momentum. This progress creates a vital opportunity to ensure that women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are equally represented and empowered. Across communities, they are ready to engage more fully in sport as it is the catalyst to fuel confidence and discover pathways to leadership.
3 Min Read
Kaung’s Path to Empowering Others: Everyone Has a Chance
When you meet Kaung Myat San, the first thing you notice is his smile—warm, genuine, and full of energy. At just 23, he’s already become a role model in his community, proving that with determination and talent, anything is possible.
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Advancing Inclusion for Rohingya Refugees with Disabilities Through Sport in Bangladesh
A new pledge by Special Olympics Asia Pacific and its partners leverages sport to identify, include, and support Rohingya refugees with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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A Great Athlete is a Healthy Athlete: Muaz’s Journey to Becoming a Fitness Captain
Every May, Special Olympics celebrates Fitness and Sport Month, recognizing the power of sport to support athlete health, fitness, and performance. To celebrate, I met with Special Olympics Pakistan athlete and Fitness Captain Muaz Khan to learn about his journey to becoming a Fitness Captain.
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More Than a Game
Shane Yan Wen Yu has learned that football is more than just a game, it’s a source of identity, purpose, and growth.
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Stronger Together: A Mother, her Son, and the Power of Sport
After the passing of his twin brother and father, Special Olympics Philippines athlete Kim Edwards (Edward), and his mother Jacquelyn, faced immense grief.
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