Stories
These 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.
To address the high rates of mental distress among adults with disabilities, the CDC posted helpful resources, including recommendations for people with intellectual disabilities from Special Olympics.
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Rafer Johnson was among the earliest and most dedicated supporters of Special Olympics, ever. He was an enthusiastic fan and sports adviser at the very first International Special Olympics Games in 1968—and never looked back. At the time, he was one of the most famous athletes in the world, and lent his global celebrity status to shine a bright light on the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Rafer Johnson said he was inspired by the talent and joy he witnessed at those inaugural Games; he became a lifelong advocate and powerful voice for this forgotten population.
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Special Olympics Europe Eurasia has today—on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—announced that the first ever European Unified Youth Basketball Tournament will take place in Sansepolcro, Italy in October 2021.
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It is during these times of the unknown that the need for innovation and creativity emerges. In the following videos, Special Olympics Youth Leaders share how they took on the challenge of a new, virtual normal, and committed to creating innovative projects portraying an uncertain time.
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Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH, explains why people with intellectual disabilities have a higher risk of diabetes than the general population and how Special Olympics is addressing that gap.
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Three years ago, Li Xiuming began training short track speed skaters with intellectual disabilities in Shanghai, China.
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As part of an effort to amplify the voice of Special Olympics across the world of sport and fashion, Special Olympics teamed up with the New School’s Parsons School of Design. The class began in January 2020 and was the first time Parsons worked to include people with intellectual disabilities in their curriculum.
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Classroom and Distance Learning Activities for Middle School and High School Students
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I’ve been a Special Olympics North Dakota coach for 32 years. In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to coach athletes in snowshoe, cross-country skiing, bowling, basketball, volleyball, powerlifting, swimming, soccer (football) and athletics.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Chinese Taipei athlete Michael Fan inspired his mother Angela Huang to become an open water swimmer and coach.
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