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.
A Family That Speaks Up
At the heart of Abdel Rahman’s support system is Shahd, Abdel Rahman’s older sister, who realized early that being his sibling meant more than just growing up together; it meant standing up for him.
3 Min Read
Mission: Inclusion—Lions Clubs International Champions Global Service and Unity
On this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio Season 7—proudly sponsored by Lions Clubs International Foundation—host Novie Craven sits down in-studio with a leader whose passion for inclusion matches his decades-long dedication to global service.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and the European Canoe Association (Paddle Europe) Sign Historic Partnership Agreement
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today will see both organisations working even more closely together to bring the joy of inclusive paddle sport to athletes with intellectual disabilities across the region.
1 Min Read
Tender Hearts
When Su Anne Lee was younger, she was quiet, timid, even.But today, she greets customers at a bustling café, shares her story with others, and speaks on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities across Malaysia.
3 Min Read
Latin America’s Jump in Badminton Gears Up for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
This year, the Badminton World Federation is celebrating World Badminton Day with the theme of “Raise A Racquet—Play, Learn, Celebrate!" and Special Olympics is joining in.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and European Aquatics Announce Groundbreaking Partnership
Organizations to bring the joy of aquatics to athletes with intellectual disabilities through structured collaboration and inclusive sport development.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Showcases Inclusion and Innovation at AAIDD 2025
Members of the Special Olympics International Health and Unified Champion Schools (UCS) teams attended and presented at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Conference from 23 – 25 June 2025.
8 Min Read
From the Heart of Texas: Inclusion Shines at the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games
On this second episode host Novie Craven takes listeners on the road for a special edition of the podcast—recorded live at the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games in Melissa, Texas.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Asia Pacific Forges First Partnership with lululemon
The new collaboration will drive crucial fitness and wellness programming for people with intellectual disabilities across Malaysia and Vietnam
2 Min Read
Building Future-Ready Inclusive Leaders Across Asia Pacific
As an organization that focuses on advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics seeks to nurture future-ready leaders with the right mindset, skillsets, and practical tools to enable success for the movement inside out.
1 Min Read
Now Streaming on Kanopy
For the first time ever, Kanopy streams Special Olympics produced short documentaries.
1 Min Read
Romanian Parliament Passes Landmark Law to Expand Sports Access for People with Disabilities
Driven by Special Olympics advocacy, new legislation marks a breakthrough in inclusion and formal recognition of athletes with intellectual disabilities
2 Min Read