Europe Eurasia Stories
Unified Leadership is Redefining Workplace Inclusion
On the eve of the 2014 Special Olympics European Summer Games, a symposium titled "In Search of Innovative Collaboration for Better Inclusion" presented a pivotal study on the employment of people with intellectual disabilities in Belgium.
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Unified Football World Cup Official Statement: Heat Advisory & Schedule Change
In compliance with the French Government directives, Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has adjusted the official competition schedule in response to forecasted extreme heat in Paris from 7 – 9 July.
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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.
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Special Olympics at FIBA Open 2026: “Intense, High Energy and So Much Joy!”
Spain triumphed at last weekend’s annual FIBA Open with 42 points in total, followed by Belgium on 33 points and The Netherlands in third place on 27 points. These top teams were among a total of 15 Special Olympics Unified Basketball teams that descended on FIBA’s Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland to compete in the annual tournament from 20 to 21 June.
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Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation Unite to Provide Content Service During Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026
An experienced team of creators is set to produce high-quality photos, videos and features of the participant delegations during the event from 6 – 11 July.
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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.
UEFA and Special Olympics Build More Inclusive Communities Through Football
For more than two decades, UEFA and Special Olympics have worked together to ensure football is a game where everyone belongs, on and off the pitch.
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Special Olympics Unified with Refugees Expands Through Grant From Olympic Refugee Foundation
Funding will enable World Refugee Day 2026 activities in Slovakia, Spain and Uganda, strengthening inclusion through sport for refugees and people with intellectual disabilities
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Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport
Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.
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“I can hardly believe I get to do this!” - Special Olympics Italia Athlete Launches His Own Children’s Book
Eros Zanotti launched the children’s book ‘Eros’ Magical Skis’ – which was inspired by the story of his journey to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 – at a feature event on Friday 22 May as part of the Special Olympics Italia National Summer Games.
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Football as a Force for Inclusion and Sustainable Change
On World Football Day, Special Olympics is celebrating the power of football to do more than just score goals; it breaks down barriers, builds communities, and unites athletes as they work together to achieve a shared goal.
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