Stories
These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.
How Fitness and Health Go Hand-in-Hand: Fima on Supporting Athlete Wellness
This month, I met with Fimanekeni (Fima) Hamutenya, a Special Olympics Namibia athlete, whose experience as a Fitness Captain and Health Messenger helped him rebuild his confidence and inspired him to help his fellow athletes live healthier, more active lives.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Work to Bring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to Life
All Special Olympics athletes want is to have the same chance to prove their worth. Just like their peers, in sports and in everyday life, the inclusion of employment opportunities. Two Special Olympics athletes earned the opportunity of a lifetime: to make the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony come to life.
3 Min Read
Equality Before the Law: How Haley Waggoner is Shaping Legislation for Nebraska
Haley Waggoner, a Special Olympics International staff member on the Government Relations team and Special Olympics Nebraska athlete, has established an impactful connection with the Nebraska State Legislator leading to positive changes in law and local communities.
7 Min Read
Special Olympics Netherlands Athlete Seeks Inclusion in New Documentary.
Now available to stream on YouTube is the new Dutch documentary Meer Dan Meedoen (More Than Just Participating) following Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne.
1 Min Read
Disability Scoop Highlights Special Olympics Research on AI Bias
Disability Scoop featured Special Olympics' recent research examining how artificial intelligence systems can perpetuate bias toward people with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
“Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt”: Leadership Beyond Special Olympics
As the Special Olympics Global Athlete Congress Chair, Kiera Byland has helped ensure athlete voices are heard at the highest levels of the movement.
3 Min Read
Class Is in Session: Transforming College Campuses for All
Graduating high school is a milestone, one that often serves as a launching point to college. This episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio explores that transition for students with intellectual disabilities and how post-secondary programs can lead inclusively.
1 Min Read
Foundation for Lasting Inclusion
In Albania, the road to inclusion isn't always straightforward.
4 Min Read
USA Games Attracts Media Coverage for its Health Work at USA Games
Thank you to the media outlets that elevated Special Olympics Health across earned media, partner content, and owned channels while capturing compelling athlete and volunteer stories during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
1 Min Read
World Media Celebrates Special Olympics’ Global Week of Inclusion
As Special Olympics celebrates its Global Week of Inclusion from July 20 – 26, media outlets around the world are spotlighting the annual celebration of unity, empowerment and respect.
1 Min Read
Athlete Leaders Don't Just Share Their Stories. They Are Trained to Lead.
When Special Olympics athlete leaders Matthew Fong from Special Olympics Macau and Ron Szeto from Special Olympics Hong Kong stood before more than 300 employees representing six companies in Hong Kong, they weren't there simply to share their personal stories.
3 Min Read
Side by Side: A Sibling Round Table
Across the Special Olympics movement, siblings have always played an important role as supporters, advocates, teammates, and leaders.
5 Min Read